
Class jL$SfJ_2 

Book._X&i~i.2 

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COPYRIGHT DEPOSm 



ANTONY AND HERO 



AND 



^•FISHING FOR FAME 



BY- 



SIMMIE, 



F. Simon, Publisher. 
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT. 

1901. 



Je< 









Copyright, 1901. 
By F. Simon. 



All Rights Reserved. 



POETICAL SELECTIONS. 

Hero's description of sunrise. Act 1, Scene 1. 
Why, I'was awake, and 
In serious meditation, an hour before 
O'er eastern mountains in it's distant orb, 
The sun arose in fiery majesty, 
And was admiring how the sparkling dew 
Did grace the changing landscape hereabouts, 
As sol's slow creeping fire did burnish every drop. 

Antony's praise of ambition. Act 1, Scene 1. 
Well has he succeeded 
In his fight for fame, and I am proud of 
His acquaintance. Well do I remember, 
How in our youthful sports, he ever did 
Affect commanding, a leadership 
Was always his ambition, and on that 
He has built a monument of fame. I 
Was ever known for and proud of my strength, 
And age made that youthful pride a serious 
Ambition till I became an athlete. 
A man's life is modeled out in youth 
By an unseen power, and as he dies 
So was it destined. 

Alice trying to encourage Leopole. Act 1, Scene 3. 
Come Leopole, be merry, 
This sullenness does not become you, and 
You have no cause for being so. One defeat 
Is no disgrace, not when your victories 
Are summed up. 'Twas an honor to be matched 
To Antony. Come let's be merry as usual. 

Antony's praise of uniforms. Act 2, Scene 1. 
Oh such a specticle ! Look ! Look ! He was wise, 
Who first suggested uniforms for soldiers, 
For while formidable to the enemy, 
They inspire a friend. Look ! See how more imposing 
Than the citizens, and yet they are but people. 

And this martial music, 
Makes one almost wish for foes. 



Herd's defense of Antony. Act 2, Scene 1. 

Tis false, 

I swear it ! I have been his inmost friend 

For many years, and have oft heard him praise 

Your qualities and ambition. He was 

The first to applaud your every promotion, 

Of all your friends he was most eager to hear from you,. 

And good news he would address as though 

Your person with : Brave Charles with but a few 

More strides we shall say Great Charles ! 'Twas he 

Suggested, as my father knows, all these 

New entertainments for to-day, and he 

Worked for their completion so increasingly, 

There was no time for conspiring. And now 

You call him your enemy, and a traitor, 

For this small accident that only seemed to harm. 

Hero's love for Antony. Act .2, Scene S. 
Think you I would encourage a man, who 
Downed my Antony '. J No ! If Antony dies, 
•Why so do I to all the world. 
I would live and die a dry old spinster 
With no occupation, but training flowers 
For his monument. 

Antony's generosity and confidence in his friends. Act 4, Scene '. 
No, No. You live, 
Live and be famous, live and be honored 
As an athlete, for the people must have one 
For their amusement and their idol, and 
Who is there but you that is worthy, and 
Entitled to their praise? And, Leopole, 
All the medals and trophys I have won, 
I've willed to you, they with my titles 
When I am dead are yours, with my best wishes 
That you honor them, and there is no one 
More confident than I am that you will. 



Antony, — Champion Athlete, 
Charles,— A Duke's Officer, 
Leopole, — Ex-Champion Athlete, 
Abraham, — Judge and Hero's Father, 
Wiggins, — Jailor, 
Swipes, — His Assistant, ' 

Tom Sawyer,— ) 

- Tough Characters. 
Bill Judson,— \ 

Johnson, — Prosecutor, 

Jones,— Sheriff, 

Hero,— Antony's Love, 

flargaret,— Antony's Sistor, 

Theresa, — Hero's Maid, 

Alice, — A Cortizan, 

Citizens, Officers, Band, Soldiers. 



Act I. (Scene 1.) Abraham discovered. 

Abraham. — Now has father time began that day, which crowns 
My happiness, and brought sol's glowing light 
O'er eastern mountain tops to do his part. 
Oh happiness to think, my daughter weds 
To-day, and weds a man that's loved by men. 
What luck of fortune what anything brings 
More joy to a loving father, there's nothing. 
It has brought youth back to my mind, but not 
My bones, for if it had I'ld dance and leap, 
And somersault for joy. But no, mine must 
Be expressed with pleased appearances. She 
Will wed Antony ere night, Antony 
The famous athlete, 
He who so lately conquered Leopole, 
The favorite of the duke his chum, called 
Hercules by all, and praised above him 
All for his qualities,. 
Untill Antony o'erthrew him as though 
He had no opposition and many 
Claim 'twas so for policy to lure some 
Spicy wager on another trial. 
No, no ! 

That desperate aspect such tugging and 
Straining that every muscle seemed to swell 
An inch, that red complexion as when 
Exertion crowds a man's blood against his 
Skin and forces out large beads of sweat, such 
Heaveing at the finish to catch his breath 
All prove that Leopole was not trifeling. 
I'll not believe it. I have double cause 
For joy, for to-day I will be relieved 
Of my political cares for brave Charles, 
A chum of Antony's as bo} 7 s, 
But seperated these five years by their 
Professions to seek fame and fortune, and 
Well they have succeeded, Antony the 
Mighty athlete and Charles the brave soldier. 



T will be a sight to see those famous leaders 
In their callings meet, with their mutual love 
Since childhood. Charles fame and qualities, 
Have won for him succession to my office, 
Which he comes to-day to accept, and I 
Will be relieved. But ho ! Come, come, be merry. 

[Rings for and enter servant.) 
Where's Hero, not up yet ! Go make her stir. 

[Exit servant.) 
The day's and hour gone. She must be 
Much contented to sleep so long this day. 
[Enter Hero.) 

Hero.— Good morning. Did you think me tardy? 

Abr. — You are not much interested in your 
Marrying or you'd been about ere this. 

Hero. Why. I was awake and in 

Serious meditation, an hour before 

O'er eastern mountains in his distant orb 

The sun arose in fiery majesty. 

And was admiring how the sparkling dew 

Did grace the changing landscape hereabouts, 

As sol's slow creeping fire did burnish every drop. 

Abr.— You should be gay and happy, this is no time 
For seriousness — 

Hero.— But my future happiness 

Is a serious question. 

Abr. It was. 

But with such a husband as Antony 
To care for that you should be merry. 

Hero. — It always was my nature to be serious 
And I thank my maker for that fault. I 
Would not for the world be giddy, for then 
rid not have Antony's love. 

Abr. — The happiness that comes from love lies not, 
As some claim, all in the procuring, there's 
More in the preserving. And if you would 
Keep fresh your husbands love, take these receipts 
From my experience. 



First, do not be dominering, for heaven 

Decreed that woman should not equal man. 

Think more of comforting your husband, than 

Of teaching him, and if in aught you think 

He's wrong and cannot change him with 

A sort of suplicating modest way, 

Convince yourself he's right. In cleanliness, 

In order, yea in everything be so precise 

As to consider all your imperfections, 

As transgressions. Tis the duty of 

The husband to furnish means of sustainance 

For his family. 'Tis the duty of 

The wife to use those means to best advantage, 

For both the happiness and comfort of 

Her family. You are both worthy of each other 

Which is much towards making your love mutual. 

Hero.— My father, glad I am to be advised 
By anyone with more experience, 
And you can be content these maxims shall 
For reference ever be, deep graven in 
My memory. (Enter Leo.) 

Leo.— -Good morrow both, and happy day. 

Hero. — Good morrow, Leopole. 

Abr. — Good morrow to you, and your looks proclaim, 
A wish of happiness unnecessary. 

Leo. — I have good cause for happiness for I 

Come direct from your successor. The first 
I saw of him in five long years. 

Abr. — How does 

He look and how behave himself amongst 
His honors? Glad to be back no doubt. 

Leo. — Tall and handsome but 

A little stiff to me as though to say, 
My position sir, calls for respect. 

Hero.— 'Tis 

Conceitedness, 'tis natural to him. 
He was so as a boy. 



9 



Leo. — Prepare 

To welcome him for he'll be here ere long 

On business. He wished me to remind you. 

To make all preparations for the parade. 
Abr. — 'Twas unnecessary. The paraders 

Will be ready when we are. We shall march 

About and arrive at the tribunal 

So as to install him at high noon when 

My term expires. 
Leo. — He is anxious to have 

Much celebration. 
Abr. — The preparations 

Are the grandest I've yet known. (Exit Abr. enter Theresa.) 
Ther. — Oh Hero Antony is coming. 

Good morrow Leopole. 
Leo. — Good morrow. 

Hero. — He is coming for us, for there's a good view 

From his porch of this parade to which we 

Are invited. I'll go prepare myself 

For I promised to be waiting for him. (Exit Hero. ) 
Ther. — Happy are they for they'll be man and wife 

Ere night. 
Leo. — I envy Antony. 

Ther. — All men do 

That know her. But here he comes and his sister to. 

(Enter Ant., Marg.) 
Ant. — Good morrow. 

Leo. — Good morrow Antony. 

Ther. — Good morrow Antony and Margaret. 

Marg. — Good morrow both. 

Ant. — Love must be contagious for 

These private interviews mean nothing else. 
Ther. — Oh I've oft heard of two diseases 

Whose symptoms were alike. 
Ant. — Where's my partner 

In this sickness? We'll groan, and heave, and make 

A hospital of this room. 



Ill 



Mary. — And I'll be 

All your physicians. 
Ant, — No, no. The disease 

Is very contagious, and your none 

To vigorous to catch it. 
Marg. — Yes, I see 

It effects even those who are famous 

For their strength. 
Ant. — Well how goes it with Leopole? 
Marg. — I see it effects even those, who are 

Famous for their strength. 
Ant. — I admit. But how is Leopole? 
Leo. — Oh fairly well. I've just come from Charles. 

Ant, — How is he? He must have come this morning 

For I looked for him last night. But has he change* I? 

Leo. — You'll see him soon yourself, for he'll be here 
Before the parade. 

Ant, — A five year's seperation of two such palls. 
You cannot imagine how this meeting 's 
Looked for. But how does he look, as large as I? 

Leo. — Tall and handsome with a military brace. 

Ant. — Well has he succeeded 

In his fight for fame, and I am proud of 

His acquaintance. Well I do remember, 

How in our youthful sports, he ever did 

Affect commanding, a leadership 

Was always his ambition. And on that 

He has built a monument of fame. I, 

Was ever known for and proud of my strength, 

And age made that youthful pride, a serious 

Ambition till I became an athlete. 

A man's life is modeled out in youth 

By an unseen power and as he dies, 

So was it destined. But no more lecturing (Enter Hero. \ 

For here's a better subject. Good morrow. 
Hero. — Good morrow Antony. I see 3 T ou're here. 



11 



Ant. — I wish I had been these last few hours, Fid a 

Rid myself of them, for it tortured me 

To think that father time kept us apart. 
Marg. — I will leave, the disease is very catching, 

And I must not expose myself being frail. 
Ther. — I'll go to. (Exit Marg., They.) 
Leo. — I'll go have a consultation 

With your father. (Exit Leo.) 
Hero. — What new styled bickering 

Is this? 
Ant. — Theresa and Leopole were 

At some private conversation as we 

Entered. I proclaimed it a sign of love, 

They turned the joke on me, and made love in me 

A contagious disease. And love so would 

I have it with you alone as my physician 

And have you catch it. 
Hero. — Why so it is Antony. 

Ant. — As we have our wishes we must be happy. 

(He embraces her, she takes a tie from lii)n.\ 
Hero. — This will I keep. 
Ant. — I cannot be without it 

From here to home. 
Hero. — You must. 

Ant. — I'll not. (Goes to take it from her. Enter Leo.) 
Leo. — • Hem, Hem. 

Let the patient enter the consultation. 

Come Anthony you are wanted. 
Ant. — Give me my tie. 
Hero. — No, No. My father is waiting. (Exit Ant. Leo.) I'll 

Not give it to him. I'll hide it. But where ? 

I'll make a garter of it and let him 

Take it off to-night for then I'll be his wife 

And t'will please him. Oh Antony in my eyes 

Thou alone of all men art to be loved. (Ties on the garter) 

Tis quite a novel way of pleasing him, 

But I guess he'll not think less of me for it. (Enter Char. \ 



12 



Oh Charles, welcome. This is a gala day, 

From all quarters. Glad I am you have returned 
Char. — It does feel good to be amongst the old 

Familiar scenes and faces once again. 
Hero.) — It seems more than an age since you left. 

You will remain amongst us now I hope. 
Char. — Yes I will remain among those I love. 
Hero. — How was it abroad, did you like it ? 
Char. — Anything that I could wish for was mine, 

But that is naught, wealth, station, fame or sport 

All are nothing without love, that I had 

Left behind. 
Hero. — Were there no friends or ladies there 

That you admired ? 
Char. — No, No. They say, man truly loves but once. 
Hero. — And was your love here? 
Char. — Yes Hero. 

Hero. — And why 

Did you not send for her ? 
Char. — Would she have come ? 
Hero. — Why sure she would, if she loved you. 
Char. — Hero, 

Can't you see, 'tis you I mean, 'tis you Hove. 

'Tis for you I've pined these five long years. 

(He embraces her. Marg. appear and exit. ) 
Hero. — Then you must learn to forget me. I spoke 

But as a friend to you, not thinking you'ld 

Take this privelege. You know I never 

Loved you even as a boy. Besides, I will 

Be Anthony's bride ere night. 
Char. — What ! You'll marry 

Antony, that drone, who dares no further 

Than calling distance from his mother ? 
Hero. — Save yourself and tell him so. 
Char.— No! I'll not 

Speak as much to him. 



13 

Hero.— I thought so, but 

You would were he a woman, brave soldier. 
Char. — T'was not in fear I spoke but in honor, 

I am no more within his sphere, 

No, nor ever was, As a boy I used 

His company for pastime. 
Hero — And he used you 

As a mop for pastime. 
Char.— With his strength he did, 

But of that the ignorant have the most, 

And such he is, born to sleep and rot 

In his mother's lap, while I went about 

The world and fought through fire and smoke for fortune 

And a name. 

Hero. — In sham battles you might have, 

For 3 t ou never were where courage alone 
Would bring you. If I had Antony's name, 
I would not trade for yours, besides, I'd rather 
Have him just plain body and soul, than you 
With all the polishings from titles 
Ever bestowed. 

Char. — My business now is with 

Your father. Will you call him '? 

Hero.— I believe, 

He is coming. (Enter Ant. Leo. Abr. following.) 

Ant.— If ever a man did die of ecstasy I will to-day, 

Why Charles, how are you? (Reaches out his hand. Chas^ 

coldly salutes.) 

Char, to Hero.— I have business with 

Your father. 

Hero.— Antony, I 

Have oft been told, that they who inherit 
Fame or fortune, use either like fools would 
Through ignorance of the way, 
Now I believe it. (Char. Abr. Leo. converse.) 

Ant. — It cannot be he's grown so proud. No, Hero, 
He has been through much excitement the last 



14 



Few days which has quite unnerved him, when that 
Is settled he will regret this, and I'll 
Forgive him. 

Hero. — Perhaps. But 

You should remember he was ever so. 

Ant. — Well, forget that now and give me my tie. 

Hero. — No, I will not. 

Ant — You must, I cannot venture 

From here to home without it. 

Hero. — You must, for I cannot give it to you now. 

Ant. — And why not? 

Hero. — Never mind, I will get you 

One of my father's. 

Ant — And why not my own ? 

Tell me. 

Hero. — I'll not, another is as good. 

Ant. — I must know why not my own. 

Hero. — Well, if you must know, it is my garter. 

And let it be till you yourself this night 

Kemove it, for then we will be wedded. 
Ant. — A kiss and it's a bargain. {They kiss.) 
Hero. — And 

If any man can show you it ere night, 

I will not deny he has seduced me. 
Ant. — And I will hold you to your word. 
Char, aside. — I would give my office for that tie. 
Hero. — Come 

We'll after Theresa and Margaret 

And prepare us for the parade. (Exit both . | 
Char. — Now all's 

Complete for our exchanging offices 

This noon. 
Abr. — I have for weeks been getting ready, 

Wait, I will get the papers. (Exit Abr.) 



15 



Char. — Leopole, 

You are jealous of this Antony, who 
Conquered you by accident, and who now 
Wears your honors. He who is looked at 
As a hero, while you are passed by but 
As a common man. Say that you are. 

Leo.— Well, 

No doubt I'd like the honors, but he earned them. 

Char. — But you can have them, and I will help you 
Get them and pay you well for what you do 
Towards getting them. I would rather see you 
Than he looked up to. 

Leo. — I would have to conquer him ere they'ed be mine. 

Char. — I say no. Listen, you are a friend 
Of Theresa, Hero's maid. 

Leo. — Yes. 

Char.— Well, 

Hero wears a necktie as a garter, 
Get that for me and I will make you rich, 
And honored. With Theresa's help you can. 
No questions now, do as I bid and I'll 
Do as I said, make you rich and honored. 

Leo. — I would do anything to be again 
In favor. 

Char. — They are in there, go do your best 

To get that tie, 'tis worth a fortune. {Enter Abr. Leo 

starts out. ) 
Abr. — Here are the papers. 

(Scene closes.) 



In 



(Scene 2.) A Street. 

[Enter jagged citizens from one side. Bill from the other.) 
1st Cit, — Hurra ! These sporting days don't come often. Come 

we will have another drink. 
Bill. — What cronicaled event has earned this holiday? 
1st Cit. — Well, if here ain't Bill and jollying as usual. Come 

make up the party, we're in for a good time. Are you 

with us ? 
Bill. — And where are you making for ? 
1st Cit. — To the Cobweb first, then to see the parade. Are you 

with us ? 
Bill. — Am I with you? Well I guess. But say, is Tom going ? 

1st Cit, — Why, sure Tom is with us. 

Bill, — Then count me out, then count me out. I am above his 

company. 
Tom, — Now what is there about me causes this dislike ? 
Bill. — Oh, that headlight, that boquet on your face. 
Tom. — Why, I bought that myself, and all else that I wear. 
Bill — You forgot, those clothes there're from my last donation 

day. I will have to have another, you begin to look seedy. 

Next Monday, Tom. 
Tom. — You talk of donating. All you own that's not on your 

back is security for your board. 

1st Cit. — No more boys, for here comes Charles, the newly 

elected. (Enter Charles.) 
Bill, Tom, Cit.— Hurra ! for Charles. 
Char, salutes. — Tanks friends, come have a drink. 
Cit. — Certainly. 
Bill. — With pleasure. 
Tom. — At your service. 
B&L—Th&t tickles us, ay Tom ? 
Tom. — A good man for the office, the election should come 

oftener. 
Char. — Come everybody. (Exit Char.) 



17 



Tom. — That's unnecessary coaxing. {Exit Tom, Bill.) 

2st Cit, — A wise man is Charles, now we shall have good 
judging. 

2d Cit. — Wise he is, and we shall. 

1st Cit. — He looked wise. 

2d at— He did that. 

1st at. — Did you note how little he said, and how stern he 
looked, and how he did salute. That's wisdom, that's learn- 
ing. Now you have seen a great man. 

2d at. — Ay. 

1st at, — But come, we'll be with them. (Exit Citizens.) 
(Scene closes)) 



(Scene 3.) A Barroom. 

(Leo. and Alice discovered.) 
Alice, — Come, Leopole be merry, 

This sullenness does not become you and 

You have no cause for being so. One defeat 

Is no disgrace, not when your victories 

Are summed up. 'Twas an honor to be matched 

To Antony. Come, let's be merry as usual. 
Leo. — Go 'way, you pratting fool. 'Twas such as you 

Caused my defeat, you, who make the fortunate 

Your victims, and prey on them so long 

As they have money, then cast them off for others, 

Go way, I say. I cast you off 

Before I'm so far gone that you'll cast me. 
Alice, — Oh I'm not so sorry as you thought I'ld be, 

But I'll get even with you for this. 

(Enter Char., Bill, Tom., Cit., they go to the bar.) 
All— Hurrah for Charles. 
Char. — Come what will it be? (They drink.) 
Leo. — Such is fortune's greeting no man gets it. 

My fortune got it once but 

Both have left me. Why are there two such words 

As fortune and favour? 



18 



One is superfluous, they mean the same, 

They are inseperable, no man has 

Either, they come and go together as 

Natural, as heat and cold to summer 

And winter. They are what all are after 

But few get, and no man seeks them singly. 

'Tis misery to. want them, 'tis misery 

To have them, and yet they're wanted. They were 

Mine once but they escaped me, and now I 

Seek again. Charles will aid me if I will 

Be false to Antony who has so much 

Befriended me. Who would not if they could 

By crooked by-ways come to fortune, if 

Naught but poeple's opinion were the punishment ? 

None but the simple. 

And they alone for want of reason, would doubt 

The outcome of a chance. I'll not be such. 

I will do anything to be again 

With fortune and with favour. Who is there 

That has had a leadership o'er his companions, 

An assendancy o'er all, could endure 

Being common and with my chance ? Oh fame, 

Why is thy charm so strong? Why is thy yield 

So great? Why is the entrance to your domain 

So complicated, and yet to seem so simple ? 

Art thou the curse from heaven to Adam ? 

Bill— Hurra ! He has our voices. None before 

Him was as good, ay Tom ? 
Tom. — Hurra ! He's in my favour. 
OU's. — Hurra ! (Char, comes to Leo. ) 
Char. — Well Leopole, why so gloomy? Come have one. 

Leo. — I'm gloomy for your good 

And mine. 'Tis brooding harm to Antony 
Makes me so. 

Char. — Yes, we must down him, and that 
To-day. No doubt he'll be a spectator 
To the parade from his house. If some accident 
Should happen there, and blame him for it ? 



19 

Leo.— He'll view It from his porch and that is lined 
With cobbles. If one of them could he pushed off 
While he is there ? {Alice listening.) 

Char. — And as I pass. Do that 

And your fortune will return. {They whisper.) {Bill, 
Tom, Citizens shaking dice.) 

Bill. — 'Twas a duce. 

Tom. — 'Twas a six. 

Bill. — 'Twas a duce. " 

Tom.— 'Twas a six I say. Afraid you'll get stuck ? 

Bill— No, you loggerheaded fool, but I'll not get cheated. 

Tom.— Who's a loggerheaded fool ? 

Bill— You ! (They fight, Citizens try to stop them.) 

{Jit.— Come, stop, be friends. Bill, Tom, stop ! 

Proprietor. — Go outside for such business. I'll have no dis- 
turbance in my place. (Rushes them out.) 

Leo. — And what is your motive 
In downing Antony ? 

Char.— You know Hero, 

Whom he is to wed to-day ? I wished her 
For myself, but she this morning snubbed me 
And went to praising Antony so 
She must have broken my gall, and I'll never 
Rest easy if they are happy. 

Leo. — What does the tie in this ? 

Char.— Did you get it ? 

Leo.— No, but I will, for I have bargained with Theresa 
To procure it, and what I wish she'll do. 

Char.— Then get it 

Without fail, for with that I'll torture him 
If nothing more. Well, I must away. Don't fail 
But have an accident before his house. 

Leo.— I will try all possible means to. 
Alice.— And T 

Will try all possible means to stop you. 

Char.— Who is this thing ? 



20 

Alice. — This thing is what knows all your plans. 

Char. — What, spying on us ? 

Alice. — No, accidently overheard. 

Char. — You lie. You have been spying. 

Alice. — And if I have, what of it ? 

Char. — Yes, what of it, even if you did hear all we said 2 

Alice. — Oh, I might bother you a bit, if I 
See Antony first. 

Chw. — You bother us, you fallen witch, 

One word from me would lock you up for months. 

Alice. — Then say the word and lock me up, if you can, 
But I'll do some mischief first, and you can blame 
Him for it. I have befriended him 
In all I could for more than a year, and 
Now he turns me off as trash and blames me 
For his misfortune. Leopole, that was 
A dose of poison to me, rank poison, 
And it will take something rank to drive it out. 
I will bring your plans to Antony, that 
May relieve me some. So Good-Bye. I'll see 
Whether you'll wear his honors or not. (Starts to go. i 

Char. — Stop her. (Leo stops her.) 

We'll keep you from harm until you are harmless. (To 
proprietor.) Have you a room we can lock her in for a few 
hours ? 

Prop. — Right here. Bring her in. 

Char. — I've never been fooled by man, so I'll not let woman start 
it, Put her in there ! (Alice fights and screams.) \ To 
prop.) Let her out in a couple of hours. 
Now, Leopole, 
I will go meet the procession. You go 
To Antony's, and don't fail or weaken 
In our plans, for there's much for you to gain, 
And my revenge. 

(Scene closes. ) 



21 



Act II. Before Antony's Home. 

{Citizens discovered lined up like viewing a parade.) 

(Enter Tom, Bill and Citizens.) 

Bill.— -We'll find no better place, let's wait here until they have 



Tom.— 'Twill be a long wait without a drink. Keep moving, 
we'll meet some place to stop in. It's better than standing 
here. 

Bill.— you've got a good load aboard now, let that settle, then 
you'll have time and room for another. 

Tom.— Your load must bother you that you refuse. 

BUI. — I have a little sense. 

Tom,— I never saw you pass a barroom when you had cents 

enough to buy a drink. 
BUI— You never got that blossom from fresh air. (Enter Ant., 

Hero, Marg., Ther.) Look, there's Antony. Hurra, for 

Antony ! 
AIL— Hurra! 

Ant,— Thanks friends, 

For such you must be to give this greeting 
To one who has not earned it. You better 
Save your lungs, for there are some coming soon 
Who deserve your applause. 

Tom.— If I had done what you have, I would knock him down, 
who would not greet me well. 

Ant. — Here is the porch all fitted for our comfort. 

Hero. — And a lovely view for quite a distance 

Up and down. 
Marg. — That's why we gave 

The invitation. Twer hardly worth one 

From a lesser view. 

Ant. — We have not long to place ourselves, so we 
May as well use all the time. But where is 
Leopole ? 



22 



Ther.— He had an errand to fulfil 

But promised to be here sre now. Here he comes. 

You go in the while, I'll wait for him. 
Ant. — Another private interview, still you'll 

Deny your sick. 
Ther. — Well I'll not have your physician 

For you grow worse. 
Marg. — What you say Antony, seems but to feed her wit. 

{Exit Ant., Hero, Marg. Enter Leo. Ther. helps them in. 

Leo. (aside) — Now to my fiendish work, for such it is, 

To mention friendly things to Antony 

While I think but of harming him, the which 

I am sorry is necessary to 

My ambitious desires. Why was I 

Ever famous ? That now I must so envy 

Antony to sustain myself and 

In the guise of friendship play the villian. 

Oh, dam this weakening. I'll not endure 

Being common. (Ther. comes to Leo.) 
Ther. — You are very punctual. 

Leo. — There is a clock in every lover's mind, 

That is regular through love, and he who 

Is tardy in his love meetings, loves not. 
Ther. — You talk of love to me I doubt you, 

You know so many others. 
Leo. — Were we not 

So conspicuous here, I would prove my love. 

If humbling myself to you would do it. 
Ther. — You seem to cold and wise for a lover. 
Leo. — These citizens, these slaves 

Of love and passion, would mock at true love 

Were they to see it. But tell me, have you 

The tie you promised to procure ? 
Ther. — Yes, here it is,. 

But I would like to know what value it has 

To you. 
Leo. — 'T was Antonys, he wore it as 



23 



A mascot, he claimed it had a charm, and 

As I am supersticious, I value it. 
Ther. — They must not know how you came by it. 
Leo. — They never shall. (Antony appears on porch.) 
Ant. — I know a stanza 

That each of you could sing to the other 

And save your wit, for 'tis just what you wish 

To say : I love my love in the morning, I love, 

(Hero, Marg. come on the porch.) 

But come up they are approaching. (Exit Leo, Theo.) 
Bill. — He is wide in the shoulders. 
Tom. — Less than Antony and smaller legged. 
Bill. — Use your eyes, use your eyes man, and see 

That Leopole is larger every way 

And better proportioned. 
Tom. — Man you talk through drink. 

'Tis plain to common sense, that Antony 

Is best man, he conquered Leopole. 

Could he if he were worse ? 

(Officer passes and places them in line.) 
Bill. — Yes when Leopold let him. There was naught 

At stake. Leopole would wager 

A dozen fortunes on another trial, 

But Antony refuses for fear. 
Tom.— He lost 

his reputation that was worth a fortune. 
Bill. — What is reputation ? wind, nothing else. 
Tom. — 'Tis on reputation most money 's made. 
Bill. — Have your way to stop your crying. 
Tom. — I'm not 

crying and I wont be. But you know I'm right. 
Bill. — Go sleep it off, your brain is muddy. 
Tom. — No, my brain is not muddy. 
Bill. — Go away. (Pushes him.) 
Tom. — No, I'll not go. 
-Bill. — Go away I say, I'm through with you. (Pushes him again.) 



24 



Tom. — No, you can't push me. (They fight, officer arrests them.) 

Bill.—'T was his fault. 

Tom. — No, he began it by insulting me. 

(Exit officer, Bill, Tom prisoners.) 
Hero. — How brutal were 

Those men, I should think, their bones are broken. 
Ant. — They are intoxicated and cannot 

Hurt each other. They will forget this, and 

Be friends when they are sober. 
Hero. — You seem well schooled as to the effect of drink. 
Ant — Oh well, a man needs not be a debauch 

To know the effects of liquor, a few 

Good sprees will teach him. 
Hero. — I thought my Antony was temperate. 
Ant — I have been since I told you so, but I 

Had sprees before then. (Enter the porch Leo, Ther.) 
Leo. (aside.) — This cobble must I push off 

While Charles is passing as though Antony 

Maliciously had hurled it at him. I am 

Not myself. I would do what 'ere is prompted. 
Ant— Oh, such a spectacle. Look ! Look ! He was wise 

Who first suggested uniforms for soldiers, 

For while formidable to the enemy 

They inspire a friend. See how more imposing 

Than the citizens, and yet they are but people. 
Marg. — I think Antony chose wrong to become 

An athlete. 
Hero. — A soldier is so much abroad. (Band passes.) 
Ant—- And this martial music, 

Makes one almost wish for foes. 
Leo. aside. — You need not wish for them, 

Keep interested so 'twill make my task 

More easy. (A company passes.) 

Ant — This is a brave company, Captain Beache's, 
Look, that's he with the medals. They're for 
His bravery, they rhyme to his courage, 



25 

The hottest fight is his delight. 

His comrades seem to know naught but stories 

Praising him. 

But see, here comes Charles, how imposing grand. 
Leo. aside. — My cue to be prepared. 
Ant. — There is a charm 

In fame makes all curious to see him 

The} 7 would pass a thousand times unnoticed 

Were he unknown. {Appear Char., Abr. on horseback.) 
Leo. aside. — Be steady my hand 

For if by accident I should down Charles, 

I down myself. (Ant. leans far over.) 
Ant. — Hurra for Charles. (Leo. pushes cobble.) 

Char. — Treachery, traitors, a conspiracy, (he unhorses himself). 

Soldiers seize him, surround the house, cut off 

His escape. 'Twas Antony hurled this cobble 

Towards our person ; seize him he is a traitor, 

Search the house for more, he shall be rewarded. 

Who 'ere takes him or his accomplices, 

For no doubt he is not alone in this. 

How can we govern safely with enemies 

So near in friendship to our person? 
Ant, — What madcap spouting do you here to call me 

Traitor, and offer honors to my captors? (jumpts down.) 

Here, win them yourself, fori did ever 

Wish to help you to them. [Exit above, Hero, Ther., Mary.) 
Char. — Seize him, he is 

Dangerous who so publicly offers harm. 
Abr. — There must be some mistake, an accident. 
Char. — An accident, to come so near my life? 

No, 'tis a studied plot, I saw him hurl it. 
Ant— You lie ! 

And know you do, but you're so used to that 

You have them studied and they come easy, 

But this is serious, I'll not deny 

I caused that cobble to fall, but 'twas an accident. 
Char. — You lie ! I saw vou hurl it ! 



26 



Ant— I'll crowd 

That lie back in spite of your position. (Ant. clowns Mm. i 

Char. — Seize him men. (Soldiers hold Ant. | 

(Enter Hero, Marg., Ther., Leo. 

Hero. — My Antony, was it 

Your accident caused this transformation 
From blissful liberty to stern captivity? 

Ant. — That's his excuse, 

But I swear he has some deeper motive 
That prompts him to it. 

Hero to Char. — And do you for this wish him prisoner ? 

Char. — What more terrible crime could he commit, 
Than attempt the lives of the duke's officers? 

Hero. — 'Tis false, 

I swear it ! I have been his inmost friend 
For many years and I know his mind, 
And have oft heard him praise 
Your qualities and ambition. He was 
The first to applaud your every promotion, 
Of all your friends he was most eager to hear from you, 
And good news he would address as though 
Your person with : Brave, Charles, with but a few 
More strides we shall say Great Charles. 'Twas he 
Suggested as my father knows, all these 
New entertainments for to-day, and he 
Worked for their completion so inceasingly, 
There was no time for conspiring. And now 
You call him your enemy and a traitor 
For this small accident that only seemed to harm. 

Char. — This is no woman's affair. 

Hero. — I did not 

Wish to settle it, but I told what I know. 

Char. — It matters not what you do know, friendship 
Must be forgot in dealing with traitors. 

(To Cap.) — Captain, deal with him quickly and severely, 
We'll rid ourselves of traitors. You have my orders. 



27 



Abr. — Stop, you have not mine, 

And I am master yet. From noon my office 
Will be yours, but till then I shall command. 

Char. — There's no commanding in this case, there is 

A special decree to hang all traitors. 
Abr. — Yes, when it's proven they're traitors. 
Char. — And is he not who came so near my life ? 
Abr. — It is not proven. 
Char. — He shall be arrested and tried ? 
Abr.— That he shall. 
Char. — Captain, 

Take him to prison and have him doubly 

Bound and guarded. 
Abr. — Citizens, 

As the gods with their disposing power, 

Have thought best to place in Antony's lot 

This accident by which his enemies 

Do draw suspicion on him, he shall 

For their satisfaction be tried just like 

A criminal. So we must 

Postpone our celebration, and once more 

Do our office duties which we thought were through. 

Char. — Away with him to prison. 

(Exit Char., Leo. one side, the rest the other.) 
(Scene closes.) 



(Scene 2.) A Street. 

(Enter Citizens Meeting.) 
1st Cit. — Hallo Jack ! Where away so fast? 
Jack. — I'm going to dress up and go to the trial. 
1st Cit. — What trial is to you so interesting ? 

Jack. — You ask what trial ? Why, where have you been man, 
drunk or fishing ? 

1st Cit. — Neither, but what makes you so excited ? 



28 

Jack. — And have you not heard that Bill and Tom are arrested, 

and Antony, the athlete, too ? 
Cit. — Bill and Tom and Antony. What's Antony done ? 
Jack.- Attempt on the life of Charles. While he was passing 

Antony's house, Antony from a porch hurled a cobble at 

him and most killed him. They think it is some conspiracy 

and more are in it whom they must catch, but they will try 

Antony right off. 
Cit — Is Charles hurt much ? 

Jack. — Just scraped his leg, he was on horseback. 
Cit- Could'nt Antony escape ? 
Jack. — He did'nt try. He was on the porch and Charles was 

offering rewards to who would capture him, and he jumped 

down and says : -'Take me yourself." 
Cit — The fool. Got scared after he d done it, no doubt. 
Jack, — No, no, he claimed 'twas an accident he could not help. 
Cit. — The law won't excuse him from that. Accidents don't 

count in law. When I fell through Jerry's window 'twas an 

accident, but I had to pay. 
2d Cit — He's gone for if he monkeys with the law. 
Jack, — Well, he's arrested, and I am going to see what they'll 

do with him. Charles wanted the soldiers to take and hang 

him from where they were, but old Abe would'nt have.it. 

He said he had to be tried first. 
1st Cit, — Oh, he'll go free, I bet. He goes with Abe's daughter. 

he's in the clique. If it were any one of us, they'd a shot 

us on the spot. 
Jack. — I don't think Antony's a traitor. I think 'twas an 

accident. 
2d Cit, — So do I, I don't think he's that kind. 
1st Cit, — Why should he turn traitor ? Sure not for gain, and 

I'd rather have his honors than Charles. 
2d Cit — And I. But why are Bill and Tom in again ? Fighting 

I suppose. 
Jack. — They were arguing and neither would give the other the 

point and be laughed at, so they fought it out. 



29 



1st Cit — Who whipped ? 

Jack. — 'Twas close, they're both game. 

1st Cit. — Both brave men with lots of sand. You must knock 
out either to make him give in. 

Jd Cit. — I've seen both take hard trashings and not squeal. 

Jack. — 'Twas a pretty fight as far as it went, and if it had not 
been stopped, it'ld a been well worth seeing through. Tom 
gave Bill a nice uppercut. 

2d Cit— Who stopped them ? 

Jack. — Oh, thick Dugan, and if Fid a been either, Fid a given 
him one would a done him good. 

Jd Cit. — One is allhe'ld stand, he's a very coward, no more sand 
than a rabbit. He got a good punishment from me once 
before he was officer. He's no good. 

Jack. — Well, I'm off, I want to see this trial. Coming ? 

All.— Shure. 

(Scene closes.) 



(Scene 3.) Charles, Officers in Courthouse. 

(Enter Char., Leo and guards.) 
Char. — Go, guards, 

Try and find accomplices in this plot, 

Leave us, for I think we're safe within 

These walls. (Exit guards.) 

Dam your clumsiness that almost 

Made me cripple. 
Leo. — . 'Twas not intended I 

Assure you. But then 'tis well, 'twill make our plot 

More like a treacherous conspiracy 

Against your person. 
Char.— What ! To cripple me 

For evidence against my enemies ? 

Hold you my word so light ? No, no, my word's 

Enough. I, as their future judge must have 

Some power, and I say : He is a traitor. 



30 



Leo. — Yes, but Abraham, the present judge 
Will not believe it. He has some power. 

Char. — He must believe it ! 

I'll not let that gray bearded fool best me, 
Besides he can reckon the lasting of 
His power in minutes, it is so short, 
Then I will have full sway, and woe to him 
Who interferes with or proposes aught 
Against my wishes. 

Leo. — Yes, but Abe is still 

In power and will be through this trial. 

Char. — How can we prevent it? 

Leo.— Why, I will be 

A doubtful witness, as though I knew not 
How to think, neither favouring nor opposing 
Antony. One that has seen much and yet 
Knows little, and I'll be as though unwilling 
To disclose that little. And then you make 
The questioning of me very minute. 
That way this trial will easily outlast 
The remainder of his term. 

Char.— Good point. 

You should have studied law. 

Leo. — But I see they're coming, 'twer best we were 

Not seen together in private. I'll be 

Away and you can learn their plans. 
Char. — Be where 

I can find you. (Exit Leo.) Now to convince old Abe 

There was a plot against me. (rubs his leg.) 
Fid much rather 

This had not happened. (Enter Abr. and others.) 

Abr. — Go find the officers 

Of this court and summon them for speedy 
Business. (Exit Officers.) (To Char.) A sad task you've 
Made for me by accusing Antony of treason. 

C/iar.— Sad indeed, sad to you and sad to me, 

For who would have ever thought that treason 



:$1 



Lurked, where I looked for my warmest friendship, 

That makes me sad. 
Abr. — You lie, you cur, Antony's no traitor. 

Nor he never bore a treacherous thought 

Against you, nor he'ld never hear one spoke 

Without through loyalty, he would proclaim 

It's author. No, no, 'tis that empty hotbed 

Of lies you call your brain, lied to your mind 

That there was cause for jealousy, for there 

Is nothing else to prompt this 

Terrible accusation. But it is 

Well you may be jealous of one you are, 

So much inferior to. But until 

You are king of all the earth, until your 

Word alone is law, you'll not harm Antony 

Unj ustly. 
Char. — When one has so plain to all beholders, 

Come so near my life, is it then unjust 

To accuse that one of treason ? I think 

It is a loyal sacrifice when that one 

Is so dear a friend. 
Abr. — You sacrifice 

Your friendship, it must be very fickle, 

I pity him whose livelihood depended 

On it. 
Char. — I want no more scolding. He's to 

Be tried, then let him prove he s innocent. {Exit Char.) 
Abr. — There's no treachery on record that has 

A more contemptable object than your own, 

That Antony is innocent, I would 

Stake my life, my honor and my fortune 

On it. I am so confident that had 

He fled, I'ld stand his trial, if God above 

Who knows his conscience, were to be judge. 
(Enter Officers of Court.) 

Fellow officers of this court, though we 

Have named this day a holiday and set 

It apart for celebration, we find 



32 



It necessary through an unforseen 

Happening to retract our edict and 

Make this one of our busiest days, for 

Great Antony, whom you all know, is accused 

Of treason gainst Charles, whom we were to 

Install in our stead. So you all prepare 

Yourselves with your utmost speed. {Exit Officers.) 

Oh God in heaven, look down upon thy 

Noble Antony and aid him in thy 

Mysterious way, for well thou knowest 

He is an innocent victim of proud 

Charles' spite. (Exit Abr., enter Char., Leo.) 

Leo. — A well laid plot, your quite an architect. 

Char. — And if, like a builder, you follow my 

Plans, you'll build the evidence that will crush 
Antony, and you'll build yourself once more 
To fame and fortune. 

Leo. — I am to far gone 

In this to flinch at anything. But that tie, 
You have no use for it now. (Shows the tie.) 

Char. — Shure I have (takes the tie) 

I thought at first that this should bring me my 
Revenge, but for that we've other means, so 
With this I'll worry him and feed my spite. 
Go you to him, wear this, wear it where he'll 
See it, as though by accident, wear it 
Loosely as though it had no value, and, 
Should he question you, why invent some lie, 
As, some friend of yours took it from his mistresses 
Leg. Mention a struggle for it and how 
Some oath went with her wearing it. Why I 
Could coin lies forever with this start, and 
Each would be as a knife to him. (Exit Leo.) 

All goes well, 
All seem to be in sympathy with me 
And aiding me to my revenge. I never 
Ment to be so hard on Antony, but 
This chance offered to me when I was hot 



33 



• With rage at Hero's refusal, seemed like 
The only means to sooth me, and I have 
Ventured till there is so retiring. {Enter Hero.) 
Ah Hero, you are indeed a welcome 
Sight to me in my misfortune. 

Hero. — I am not here 

To please you, but to sue to you, my lord. 

Char. — I am not your lord. Be more intimate Hero. 

Hero. — You hold Antony's liberty in your 
Power, so you are his lord, and his lord 
Is mine. You can proclaim him innocent 
And set him free, 'tis for that I came to sue. 

Char. — Hero, believe me, Antony's transgression 
Wounds me as much as you, but we must be 
Severe with traitors to discourage them. 

Hero. — Antony's no traitor as you know well. 

You dare speak of him but not to him as such. 

Char. — Why bother ourselves of him, you know a 
Traitors doom is death. He was much to you 
But soon shall be no more, then may I sue 
In your affections to take his place ? 

Hero. — Think you I would encourage a man who 
Downed my Antony ? No ! If Antony 
Dies, why so do I to all the world. I 
Would live and die a dry old spinster with 
No occupation but training flowers 
For his monument. But Charles, I came to 
Beg of you to retract your charge and set 
. My Antony free. 

Char. — There's but one way to 

Set him free, and that's at your disposal. 

Hero. — And how is that ? 

Char. — , Give your consent to be 

My wife and Antony shall live. 

Hero. — If I wished to become your wife I would 
Not sue for Antony's freedom, for I 
Did not think my chance with you was doubtful. 



34 



Char. — For your consent to marry me, and for 
Nothing else will I aid this traitor to 
His liberty. 

Hero. — Then give me time to bring this proposition 
To him. If he consents, why so do I. 
I will sacrifice myself for him. {Exit Hero. ) 

Char. — I never thought I would have her so soon 
In supplication t'wards me, nor did she, 
When she this morning so proudly spurned me. 
But nor his consent nor your consent 
Can make me aid to save him now, for then 
I'ld be suspected. {Enter Alice.) 

Alice. — I like the way you kept me prisoner. 

Char. — Well, no doubt it tamed you. 

Alice. — Oh no, it has made me wild and I've heard 
What you have done and what else you intend. 
But I will stop you by telling what I 
Overheard this morning. That will be my 
Revenge, and perhaps it will tame you. I 
Thought to find a lady here and tell her 
What I heard but now that she is gone I'll 
Go tell Antony, it might be useful 
To him. 

Char. — No, no. Don't go to him! 

Alice.— Oh, but 

I will, for what I know is a burden 
On my mind, and I wish to be relieved. {Approach Abr.) 

Char. — You shall not go. 
Alice. — But I'm going. {Starts out.) 
Char. — I say you won't go, and you won't. (Sto2)s her.) 
Alice. — Let me go. Help ! {Abr. seperates them.) 
Abr. — The lady wishes to go. {to Alice) Go ! 
{Exit Alice.) 
( Scene doses. ) 



35 



Act. III. A Prison Cell and Courtyard. 

(Antony discovered bound, \ 

Ant. — Heaven grant me depth of reason to clear 
The mystery which surrounds my being here, 
There never happened, that I remember 
T'wix Charles and I, aught that could gall him thus 
To disgrace me for revenge. Could my fame 
Have made him wish to crush me, and could that 
Star which rules my destiny, have caused that 
Cobble to fall for his opportunity ? 
No, our professions are so different, 
They never could cause jealousy. Can it 
Be writ in my destiny, that this accident 
Should seem like treachery to Charles ? No, no, 
There's something gall's him, that he gave so cold 
A greeting for a so long seperated 
Friend. I hope my being Hero's choice is 
No motive for his hateing me, but 
Who knows V Kejected lovers have become 
So desperate, no punishment had terrors 
For them. If I thought she favored him, but 
Clung to me for her promises sake I 
Willingly would forget her for him, but 
If by cheat he tried to part us he would 
Have to tear me from her each joint singly. 

(Enter the, yard Wiggins and Assistants.) 

Wig. — Come, Swipes, there's not much time. We may use this 
grave to-day. You dig here. 

Svri. — Now why should I dig ? They won't bury him in the 
court yard. 'Twill be unnecessary work on me and I think 
I do enough for my pay. 

Wig. — You've done nothing but run for grog to-day. 

Swi. — There was nothing else to do, and there is no need of 
looking for unnecessary work. 

Wig. — If he is to be shot we'll bury him here. So you dig a 
grave. 



36 

Swi. — Ifknow it will be unnecessary work on me and then filling 

it up again, more unnecessary work. 
Wig.— It must be done, so dig away. 
Swi. — This way or that ? 
Wig. — Length ways of course. 
Swi. — How long ? 

Wig. — Well, he's tall, make it twice your shovel. 

And you joiners, here's your timbers, build a gallows. 

{they go to work.) Now r I've 

Known Antony from boyhood until now, 

And a wilder boy there never was. 

Well liked and honest outside of what boy's 

Motto teaches ; that, stolen fruit is sweetest ; 

He was the last man I thought to have as 

Prisioner. (Joiners hammer, Antony starts.) 
Ant. — What fickle fear this forced confinement give-. 

I start like one with a guilty conscience. 

(Wig. knocking) Hallo Antony. 
Ant. — Hallo you. 
Wig. — May I come in ? 
Ant. — If I could let you in I'ld not be here myself. 

(Enter Wig., Joiners hammer.) 
Ant. — What hammering is that, it quite unnerves me, 

But I know not why. 
Wig. — 'Tis a gallows they are building. 
Ant. — For who ? 
Wig. — Perhaps for you. 
Ant. — So serious. No, no. He may take 

My honor but he cannot wish my life. 
Wig.— I have often wished to wring your neck 

When you were at my apples, but I never thought 

I'ld have to do it. 
Ant. — You never shall, 

Not for my crimes, for were they all summed up, 

There would be but a father's whipping due. 

Tis not for being a criminal that I 



37 



Am here, but for being an impediment 

Somehow to the desires of Charles, but I 

Know not whether it be in honor or 

In love. 
Wig. — Antony, 

You've oft made me so desperate mad, I've 

Almost broke my teeth in grinding them and 

Cursing you in anger. Yet I believe 

You innocent in this. I believe you'ld 

Take a farm for deviltry, but would not 

Steal an apple for it's value. (Hero, Marg. enter yard, i 
Marg. — Charles made this proposition ? 
Hero. — Yes. 
Marg. — What will you do ? 

Hero. — Just what my Antony 

Bids me do. If he will have his freedom, 
I'll be the ransom, if not I'll die 
With him, I'll not have Antony either 
Way, so there's no choice but death, for to 
Live without him I will not. What's this, a 
Gallows and a grave '? They must be for 
Antony. 

Marg. — I'll ask him. (to Swipes.) 

May I ask you what you are doing ? 
Swi. — Certainly. 

Marg. — Well, what are you doing ? 
Sw i. — Unnecessary work . 
Mart). — What is it to be ? 
Swi. — A grave. 
Marg. — For whom ? 
Swi. — For Wiggins, the jailor. 
Marg. — Is he dead ? 
Swi. — No. 
Marg. — Then why are you digging a grave for him ? 



38 

Swi. — Tis for him, but 'tis not his. He has a prisioner they 
will either hang or shoot. If they shoot him he gets buried 
here, so I must dig the prisioners grave for Wiggins. He's 
the jailor. 
Marg. — Whose grave is it to be ? 

Swi. — A genuine villian's, I assure you. One who has often 
plagued me most to death. I would be glad they sentenced 
him only it makes for me unnecessary work. 
Marg. — Who is the villain ? 
Swi. — One Antony, and I have oft wished him harm. 

I'm happy if they shoot him. 
Hero. — He is not sentenced yet so don't you be 
Elated fool. And Margaret, until 
He is we will not mourn but try to aid him. 
Wig. — I will believe you innocent no matter what the sentence 
but I cannot aid you for I am but hired. Good by. 

( Wig. comes out of cell. ) 
Ant. — Good by Wiggins, and forget my misdemeanor. 
Hero. — This must be the jailor. I'll ask him. 

(to Wig.) Are you the jailor, sir ? 
Wig. — Yes, Miss. 

Hero. — Have you the care of Antony ? 
Wig.— Yes, Miss. 
Hero. — May we see him ? 

Wig. — If he will have it certainly. He is in there. 
Marg. — I am his sister. 

Wig. — Then I guess he won't refuse to see you. 
This way, but I must lock you in with him. 
Hero. — Possession is nine points of the law. Then 
Charles with this much start could easily find 
Means to hold us there, but as long as he 
Holds Antony I wish to be held to. (they enter.) 
Ant. — You are two more that I'll swear believe me 

Innocent. 
Hero.— Oh Antony, what hellish fate is this 
Comes so abrupt into our happiness V 



39 



Ant. — I know not Hero, unless it is our fate. 
I can think of nothing that could be his 
Motive for wishing me removed, and I'll 
Swear he knows as well as God above that 
I'm no traitor, or ever saught his life. 
But how goes the cry among the citizens 
And my friends ? Do they believe me guilty V 

Marg. — All that I have heard do sympathize 

With you, not that they think you guilty, but 
For being unjustly charged with treason. 

Ant. — What's being done towards my case ? 

Marg. — They are making all preparations for a 

Speedy trial ere Charles term begins. 
Hero. — I've been to Charles to know his mind. 
Ant. — What said he ? 
Hero. — He would have me think that your transgression 

As he called it, gave him much pain. 
Ant. — Then he firmly intends to convict me V 
Hero. — No, he made a proposition for your life. 
Ant. — How liberal. Until now I never 

Knew he had the power to hang or shoot 

A man, or let him live just to his liking, 

But what's his proposition ? I will listen 

How 'ere absurd. 
Hero. — He says on this condition only will he 

Ketract his charge. That I will marry him. 
Ant. — So that's the cause of his dislike for me. 

And had he the nerve for this proposal ? 

He must think me a degraded plebian 

Who loves himself alone. No, no, Hero, 

I love 1113- wife and would sooner die than 

She should be sacrificed to him. 

A miserable measily coward 

And no one else would 

Try to benefit himself in this way. 

It cannot be that you encouraged him. 
Hero. — I did not encourage him, I merely 



40 



Listened, thinking only of doing what 
I could for you. And when he finished I 
Came here in all haste for your opinion. 

Ant. — You should know me better than to think me 
Of such fickle mettle. I'ld never approve 
Of sacrificing you to save myself. 

Hero. — Think Antony, he'll murder you if I refuse. 

Ant. — No, no, my Hero. He has not so much 

Power. He has made a charge of treason 

Against me, and I must stand a trial. 

But he must prove it ere he can harm me, 

So I fear him not, no more than that he 

Can make much trouble for me if he chooses. 
(Leo. enter court yard.) 
Leo. — Now I am to do 

More dirty work. I am but Charles tool. 

Oh courage, this is no time to falter, 

I have been a fickle simpleton ever since 

I entered this plot against Antony. 

One thought makes me sorry and repenting 

And the next one gives me courage. I hope 

He will see this tie and then again I 

Hope he wont for fear of what he'll say. 
Hero. — I will go to him once more, and see if I 

Can make him sorry for what he's done. 
Ant. — No, no, your supplication will but make him prouder. 
Hero. — I'll not feel satisfied till I've done all I can. 
Leo. — Jailor, may I see Antony ? 
Wig. — He has company now. (Hero knocks. \ 

But I guess they wish to leave, (opens the door.) 
Marg. — You need not be lonesome for here comes 

Leopole, so I'll go away with Hero. (Exit Hero. Marg.) 
Leo. — Antony, accept my sympathy, 

For a case like yours I never heard of. 

Ant. — Thanks, Leopole, for I am anxious that my friends 
Should think me innocent. But Leopole, 



41 



Did you take note of how that cobble fell '. J 
I was so interested I did not. 
Leo. — I'm sure I did not, for I 

Was interested too. You did lean forward though. 

Ant. — I was much interested, 

And so I think it happened, but it pains 

Me most that he I've done so much for, was 

So easily provoked to wish me harmed, 

For had he but common sense, he must know 

It was an accident. 
Leo. — Perhaps there is 

Some rivalry between you. 
Ant — So it seems, 

For he now wishes Hero's hand in marriage. 
Leo. — He knows not his own mind for within this hour 

He told me he would never marry, as 

He had the using of more women now 

Than he could tend to and stay healthy. 
Ant. — Were you with him ? 
Leo. — I went to pump him, for why he charged you 

With conspiracy. But he would not talk 

Of that, he seemed more interested in 

Some foolish woman as he called her, who 

Loved him unreasonably. 
Ant.— Would he 

Not mention what caused his sudden hate for me ? 

Leo. — No. As often as I broached your case, he would start off 
about this woman. Says he : She's a maid, mind you, about 
to be married to another, but she so loves me, she sought 
my aid to rid herself of this other, whom she cared not for. 

Aid. — Would he not say if it was not impulse made him accuse 
me ? 

Leo. — I tried him every way but 'twas no use, 

He would talk of nothing else but this maid. Why, 
Says he : She is so conquered by my charms, 
She 1 will discard her promised husband, 
Though not point blanc, through modesty, so she 



42 



Brought a plot to him. to lure her lover 

From the scent. 
Ant. — And is he so unconcerned 

About a life which almost depends on him ? 
Leo. — He said this plot was to remove 

Forever this prospecting husband 

As an impediment. And then he laughed. 

Ant. — Who was this maid ? and who her promised husband? 

Leo. — He would not say. It seemed to please him most 

To keep that secret, He claimed I know h^r well 

But could never guess. 

Said how she loved him ere he went away 

But loved him more on his return. 

He thought his station made the extra love, 

That's why he cared so little for her. 
Ant. — And how came he to her ? 
Leo. She came to him. 

And was overcome embracing him when 

Her lovers sister appeared and stopped the fun. 

But he has seen her since and she's now stale. 

She had her lovers necktie as a garter. 

Tied there with an oath, this he removed 

And cared so little for it, he threw it at me. 

And I thought so well of it that I do wear it. 
(Ant. sees if and starts.) 
Ant. — Who was she, say you ? 

Leo. — I know not, but no doubt some common strumpet. 
Ant. — You lie ! 

She who wore that tie was no such thing nor 

Ever stayed with Charles. 'Tis another of 

His dirty plots to sully her pure name 

He's not content with ruining mine. 

Leo. — Do yo u know her ? 

Ant. — No, no, no. But what he's done to me makes 
This opinion of him. No doubt 'tis true 
For there are many 



43 

That greatness will enamor. Bat you say, 

She brought some plot which would remove her husband? 
Leo. — So he told me but he'ld not mention what it was. 
Ant,— And she was stale to him ? 
Leo. — Yes, Antony. But why this agitation ? 
Ant. — Oh nothing. Leopole, my being prisioner 

Has quite unnerved me, I am not fit 

To entertain you, Leopole, leave me 

As a friend. (Leo. knocks.) 
Leo.- I will Antony, and will do my best 

To appease your prosecutor. (Wig. unlocks.) 
Leo. — Good by, Antony. 

Ant. — Good by. (Exit Leo. to court yard.) 

Leo. — That must have hurt. 'Twill cause 
This mental agony which has nothing 
Visable for arrousing sympathy, 
Like the bleeding of some painless cut which 
Would bring tears and sighs and gentleness from all. (Exit.) 

Ant.-^- Hero Charles'es stale and plotting against 
Her lover, why that is me. No, I'll not 
Believe it. But he had my tie and she 
Said, if any man could show me that, she'ld 
Not deny he has seduced her. What brought 
Those thoughts to her ? She plotted to rid herself 
Of her intended husband. Why, she was 
On the porch, could she have pushed that cobble ? 
No, no. She would not, yet it appears I 
Did not for I felt no jar which I would have 
Had my weight been on it. She did admit 
She came from him to me and would return 
To him. But then I'll not believe it. Hero 
Is true to me. He said her lover's sister 
Caught her embraceing him. 

Why that is Margaret. I'll be convinced. (Calls Wig.) 
(Enter Win.) 

Ant. — Is Margaret about ? 

Wig.~ Yes, she's at the gate. 



44 



Ant. — Bring her to me. (Exit Wig.) 

Now she can prove if Hero is false to me, 
She will not lie. (Enter Marg.) 

Ant. — When did you first see Charles since his return? 

Marg. — Why this morning, when we had left you to 
Your lovemaking for a while, I returned 
To tell you something, 

Charles must have come just ere I entered, for 
Hero was just greeting him, and as I 
Am not familiar with him, I retired 
Ere they had seen me. 

Ant. — Were they familiar ? 

Marg. — Why sure they were. Why not ? They are old friends. 
Why they embraced like lovers. 

Ant, — What's that, you too against me ? Have I 
No friends on earth ? No, no, Margaret, I 
Believe you, but Hero is false to me. 
She is Charles'es mistress, 
'Twas she who plotted for my life, I am 
An obstacle to her enjoying him, 
She s with her lover now, 111 soon be there 
Myself and to catch them while embraceing 
Will be much more convincing proof. 
(tugs at his bonds.) 

Break ! break ! 
Don't think you can withstand a desperate 
Athlete's strength, (breaks away. \ 

Marg. — Why Antony, what do you mean ? 

Ant. — Away ! Don't bother me now, 
I'm not accountable for my deeds. 

(breaks the door, Wig. /firs to stop hint.) 
Ant, — Out of my way, out of my way ! 

(Knocks Wig. and Assitants down and exit.) 
i Scene closes.) 



[■> 



(Scene 2.) A Street. 
(Citizens discovered.) 
1st Cit. — Think you they will punish Antony with his life ? 
2d Cit. — Shure. Tis evident he is a traitor, and they either 

hang or shoot them. But he went so open about it and 

missed. 
1st Cit. — The fool, with the risk he ran he should have made it 

more shure. 
2d Cit. — Had he killed Charles he would not suffer more. 
1st Cit. — And yet they call him so great. 
2d Cit. — He is good at wrestling. 
1st Cit. — He has no head, so he proved to-day, and it takes a 

head to wrestle. I always did think Leopole gave him that 

last match. 
3d Cit. — Yes, I guess you're right. Well, if they convict him 

Leopole will again be champion. 
1st Cit. — Yes, and I would sooner see him too. 
2d Cit. — And if this ain't him, I don't know him. Speak of any 

one but, the devil and they'll appear. Did you ever know 

that proverb to fail ? I did'nt. 
1st Cit. — Nor I either. (Enter Leo., they salute him.) 

Hurra for Leopole ! Hurra ! 
Leo. — How do you do, gentlemen ? Happy days. (Exit Cit.) 
Figuring on Antony's 

Execution they but surmise I'll rise 

And already greet my fortune. 

They little know the sneaky way I use 

To gain that fortune, but that matters not, 

They would not greet me for my morals. I 

Am sorry I ever entered this plot 

With Charles, but he will pay me for my share 

I'll warrant, and that before it is too late. 
(Exit Leo., enter Citizens.) 
1st Cit. — You never saw Leopole ? I thought everybody knew 

him. There he goes, that's him. 
3d Cit. — -A noble man, fine proportioned. 



46 

2d Cit. — And right worthy of holding the championship. 

1st Cit. — There is none can down him. 

2d Cit. — He's a good spender, I often drank on him. 

3d Cit. — Where does he be often ? 

1st Cit.— Nowhere in particular, everywhere or anywhere, just 

as it happens. 
2d Cit. — What is this crowd coming ? 
1st Cit. — They're chasing some one. 
3d Cit— Who can it be ? 
Jd Cit. — A madman. 
1st Cit. — Ain't that Antony ? 
Jd Cit. — As I live it is. He has escaped. 
1st Cit. — They're trying to stop him. 
3d Cit.— Let's help them. 
Jd Cit. — I'll not, he looks desperate. 
1st Cit. — Nor I. He has a lions strength. (Enter Ant.) 
Ant. — Make way there, I'll kill the first man hinders me. 
(Rushes across the stage, knocks citizens down and exit.) 
(Scene closes.) 



(Scene 3.) Charles Office. 
(Erder Hero, Alice folloiving.) 
Alice.— I had quite a race to overtake you, 

So now I hope you'll listen to me. 
Hero. — Why shure I will listen, but 

I have important business bids me haste. 
Alice. — I doubt not but what I have to say 

Concerns your business. 'Tis of Antony 

I would speak. 
Hero. — What do you know of him ? 
Alice. — That his arrest was plotted for by those 

He thought were his best friends. 
Hero. — How plotted for ? 
Alice. — Charles lias some dislike for him, and he holds 



47 



What once were Leopole's honors, so they 

Plotted for his ruin. 
Hero. — How do you know all this ? 
Alice. — I overheard them propose an accident 

From the porch as Charles would pass. 
Hero, — You mean the falling of that cobble 

Was prearranged by Charles and Leopole ? 
Alice. — I do, and that Leopole pushed it purposely 

And not Antony by accident as you think. 
Hero. — If what you say be true 'twill recreate 

My hopes for future happiness, which I 

Thought gone forever. But Leopole is 

Antony's friend. 
Alice. — He but seems so. He was 

Mine once too. I tell you I did hear him 

Rail on fortune and on Antony for 

Robbing him of it, and because he came 

And went unnoticed, while Antony's 

Every move and look would bring forth cheers. 

Then he railed on me and cursed me so, I 

Swore revenge, and my chance soon came, for Charles 

Approached and told him of his grudge and how 

By downing Antony he'ld be revenged 

And Leopole would be again in favour. 
Hero. — And would you swear to this before them ? 
Alice. — Yes, and before God Almighty. 
Hero. — Then if Charles is to be found I'll 

Bring him here and Antony will be free. 
{Exit Hero, enter Charles.) 
Alice. — Now you important one, we'll see who'll 

Get the worst of this morning's quarrel. 
Char.— Why, what do you mean ? 
Alice. — What, why that she knows all that went between 

You and Leopole this morning. 
Char. — You told her of that plot ? 
Alice. — Cert, and I'm going to swear to it at 

The trial, if there is one. 



18 



•Char. — You degraded wretch, 

How far will your word go aside of ours ? 
Alice. — I don't know or care. They may not believe me. 

But I'll get them thinking. 
Char.— If you don't leave this town and in a hurry, 

I'll lock you up for what you are, not fit 

To mingle with respectable people. 
Alice, — Oh what I know does not amount to anything, yet you 

wish me to leave town. Guess not. I would sooner stay 

and bother you. And as for your having me arrested, ha ! 

I am in the business to long to think you can do it. 
Char. — Where is she going ? 
Alice. — To look for you and make you come down from your 

high perch. 
Char. — You've ruined me. 

Alice. — I hope so, but I never thought I was so wise, (knocking. \ 
Char. — Will you step in this room until I find out what i>- 

wanted ? 

Alice. — And have you lock me in ? Oh no ! 

Char. — Then here into the hall, but don't leave for I have some 

business with you. (Exit Alice.) 
Char. — Come in. [enter Officers.) What's wanted V 

Offic. — I have a summons for you to appear at the trial of 

Antony. 
Char. — I will not fail to be there. {Exit Officers, enter Leo.) 

You never arrived at a more fortunate time. 
Leo. — What's up. 

Char. — We're lost, unless by stratagem or 

By some precious gem you can win Alice 

To our favour. She has told Hero all 

She overheard this morning. 
Leo. — What ! I'll tear her heart out. 

Char. — No, no, I have a better plan. She is 

In love with you, make her think you return it. 
Leo.— But I turned her from me this morning. 



49 

Char. — Give some excuse for that, as, 

You were indisposed or so, and give her 

All the gold she wants, I know she'll yield. 
Leo. — Where is she ? 
Char. — In the hall. Now you retire and when she gets here, 

you happen in accidently as though you'ld not seen me, be 

very affectionate. {Exit Leo.) 
Char. — (Opening the door.) 'Tis now to late to refuse a risk on 

an obstacle. (Enter Alice.) Important business has come 

before me, which I must attend to immediately, you wait 

here, I'll not be long and I must see you. (Exit Char.) 

Alice. — I never thought I would be so lucky as to hold secrets 

valuable to rich men. (Enter Leo.) 
Leo. — Well, well, Alice, 

You're looking splendid, charming enough 

To tempt the coldest flesh. It seems an age 

Of seperation I've been through, but we'll 

Soon be again with fortune, and able 

To revel to our heart's content. 
Alice. — Who do you mean by we ? 
Leo. — Why, you and I, of course. You're not surprised 

I hope, that I know of your hankering 

For sport ? I guess you've not reformed. 
At ice. — Do you put this friendship on to mock me ? 
Leo. — Come, come, Alice, 

We've had too many rackets together 

To act like moralists. 
Alice. — I don't deny my business, but do you 

Know that I squealed what I o'erheard this morning ? 
Leo.— No ! To who ? 
Alice. — To Hero. 

Leo. — That will ruin all our sport. Why did you ? 
Alice.— You used me rough this morning. 

Leo. — And did you mind that V 

Have you never felt as though you hated 
Yourself ? That's the way I felt this morning, 






I did not know what I was saying. We've 

Got to fix this some way or loose our sport, 

For with Antony away I am the hero, 

And you know me when I have money. 

How did you fix it with Hero ? 
Alice. — I told her all I heard and she wants to 

Have me to swear to it at the trial. 
Leo. — You go to the trial 

And deny it all, deny you ever 

Spoke to her. You will never be sorry. 

Here's money for you to spend. See, I am 

But on the way to fortune and I have 

Money, I will have much more if you'll but 

Help me to it. Will you deny all you 

Told her for me ? 
Alice. — I will deny I ever saw her on a bed of bibles. 
Leo. — Good ! 'Tis not best we were seen together until all is 

over, they might suspect. 
Alice. — I'll go invest this money in silk stockings. 
Leo. — Well, good by, until this is over, then we will swim in 

wine. 
Alice. — Adieu. {Exit Alice.) 
Leo. — More dirty work, but that was easy. 

I say Charles. {Enter Char.) 
Char. — Well, how is she ? 
Leo. — Blot her out as an obstacle. 
Char. — How did you do it V 

Leo. — With little gold and big promises. But there is no time 
to spare, I must see the prosecutor and buy him to lengthen 
out this trial. {Exit Leo.) 

Char. — 'Tis not long till Antony will be no more, 

Then I shall have proud Hero at my feet. {Enter Hero.) 

Hero. — Prepare yourself 

For a mighty transformation. When last 
We met I was at your command, now bow 
Yourself in supplication. 



5] 



Char. — This is indeed a transformation, but 
Why should I bow. I am no miscreant. 
Hero. — No, but a conspirator. 
Char.— Why, how is that ? 

Hero. — One who o'erheard you 

Plotting to down Antony has told me all. 

Char. — How absurd, that I should plot against one 

Who awaits a death sentence. 
Hero. — That death sentence 

When I have told them all I know, will be yours. 
Char. — Come, tell me all I am interested. 

Hero. — Leopole and yourself this morning did conspire 

To push that cobble from the porch, and then 

Charge Antony with treason. You see I 

Know it all and want you to settle 

Antony's freedom. {Appear Ant.) 
Char. — Go away, you rave. I hope your interlect 

Is not impaired by love. 
Hero. — I do love, I admit. 
Ant. aside. — Too true, she does love him and I've been duped, 

'Tis from her own lips. 
Hero. — But think well before it is too late, think 

Of the disgrace 'twill cause you. 
Ant. aside. — She's stale to him and he'll not marry her. 
Hero. — The dishonor to your name, to be arrested, 

And have me prove you guilty. 
Char. — Have me arrested, if you will, tell them all you know, 

and see if a strumpet's word will outweigh mine. Leave 

me, I have no use for you. 
(Antony comes forward.) (Appear jailor and guards.) 
Ant. — And little do I blame you Charles, for this 

Discarding of a strumpet. 
Hero. — My Antony, and free, (goes to him, he pushes her away.) 
Ant. — Yes, 

Free from my prison bonds, and free from you, 



52 



Thank heaven. By your plot for my disposal 
You thought to ruin me, but you made me, 
For far better is an honorable death, 
Than life that's linked to your dishonor. 

Hero. — What does my Antony mean ? 

Ant. — You'll still use your dissembling gift, and play 
The innocent, T'wer better you were quiet, 
And not add lies to your dishonor. 

Hero. — As my Antony wishes. 

Ant. — No, no, not yours, just as you wished it, and 
Happy I to know 'tis so. And may you 
Have success in those desires in which I 
Hindered you. Come, officers, bring me back, 
I will stand a trial, yes, and if sentenced 
Die happy after what I have escaped. 

(Guards take Antony.) 

(Curtain.) 



53 



Act. IV. Scene, Court Room. 

(Enter Leo. and Prosecutor.) 
Leo. — You see, Antony will be tried this morning while Abra- 
ham is still in office, and he being interested in Antony, 
who is his daughter's intended husband, will hurry things 
through before Charleses term begins. Now what I want 
is, for you to do what you can to draw this trial into 
Charles'es term. 

Pros.— No doubt something will turn up through which I can 
gain a stay for you. 

Leo. — You being acquainted with the way of law would see a 
chance where others would'nt. 

Pros. — True, and for our friendship's sake, I will use it to your 
advantage, though I have nothing against this Antony. 

Leo.— That's what I want. Now come, we will drink together 
for luck. (Exit both, enter Hero.) 

Hero.— Am I the first one here ? Well, I should be, 
For I am more interested than all others, (kneels.) 
Heaven look with thy allseeing eye upon 
The unjust misery thy righteous subject 
Suffers, and with thy impartial mind convict 
The true transgressor. Give thy judgement to 
Thy officers below that they may punish 
The guilty, (rises.) 

Was ever woman in my plight ? No, no, 
Antony was not himself when he did spurn me. 
An unjust imprisonment and charged with 
Treachery by those he has considered 
His dearest friends is enough to upset 
The strongest mind. I have excused what he 
Has done no matter what the source, and I 
Will prove that I love him, though he would hate 
My corpse. Here will I await what is to come. 
(Hero sits down, enter court officers, citizens, Char., Leo.) 

Hero. — You are well met though not by accident 
For villians seek their kind for company. 



54 



Char. — I wish 3*011 knew the truth and had no faith 

In what you heard, then would you know us as friends 

Hero. — I sought no conversation with you, I 
Intended to insult you, but you are 
So hardened that I cannot. 

Char. — We will leave you until you are convinced, 

We wish you well. (They leave her.) 
Hero. — Heaven only knows 

Its object in distributing such natures 

Here amongst us. Wickedness on earth 

Must be decreed by heaven, or else 

Such minds would not exist. But, 

Where can this woman stay ? 

(Enter officer.* with Tom and Bill.) 
Tom. — Now to give the price of half a dozen good sprees to en- 
rich a rich city. 
Bill. — I'm sorrier than you are, for its all your fault. 
Tom. — Because I tried to stop you from making an ass of me its 

my fault. I'ld sooner be arrested, than showed up like 

that. (Enter Antony guarded.) 

Bill— Hallo ! What's he done V 

Tom. — He's not been fighting I'll wan-ant. for no one would 

tackle him. (As Antony passes Hero she comes to him.) 
Hero. — Antony, do you not know me ? 

Ant. — Take this woman from me or else release me 

That I may protect myself. (Guards push her away, she 
weeps, enter Marg.) 

Marg. to Hero. — Why not practice what you preach ? 
He is not sentenced yet and until he is 
We will not mourn. 

Hero. — He's worse than sentenced, he's mad. 

Marg. — So I thought when I last saw him. as 
He charged me with conspiring for his life, 
Then forgave me, claimed you were false, and 
Plotting to dispose of him, then broke his bonds 
Rushed through the court yard, passed the guards, and 



55 



Until now I have not seen him. I 

Will go speak to him. 
Hero. — I doubt he will know you, he did not me. 

And my presence seems to aggrivate him. 
Marg. — Perhaps 'tis best I keep away. 

Hero. — Come with me, 

They are not ready, and I will tell you 
Of the plot makes Antony prisoner. 
I heard it from a friend, and she must be found 
As our main witness. (Exit Hero and Marg.) 

Leo. — Can Hero have already told him what she heard 

Char. — Why no, 

He would not listen to her when they met. 
About the necktie and what else he heard 
From you worked to perfection. Now if Alice 
Will keep her word he will not know until 
It is too late. 

Leo. — She would do twice as much to win my smiles 
If I'll but give them. I will go sympathize 
With Antony. (Goes over to Antony.) 

Antony, I can bring 
But little consolation to you. 

Ant, — Leopole, old friend, I don't want any, 
The news you brought me in my cell 
Was sufficient. You little knew how I 
Was connected with that story, or perhaps 
You did, but respecting my dejection, 
Would not be bold by bringing more, but as 
A friend gave me a clue to proofs. Was it 
Not so, Leopole ? You're silent to respect 
My feelings, and Leopole, twice dear you 
Make your friendship by it. Through your clue I 
Am convinced my love was trifling with me, 
And now I welcome death as much as ever 
I cared to live. 

Leo. — Antony, stop or I 

Will wish for death myself. 



56 



Ant. — No, no, 3011 live, 

Live and be famous, live and be honored 

As an athlete, for the people must have one 

For their amusement and their idol, and 

Who is there but you that is worthy and 

Entitled to their praise ? And Leopole, 

All the medals and trophys I have won 

I've willed to you, they with my titles, when 

I am dead are yours with my best wishes 

That you honor them, and there is no one 

More confident than I am that you will. 
Leo. — Antony, you do not know me or you 

Would not say this, you'ld sooner curse me, if 

You knew my mind. 
Ant. — All ill feelings that have grown 

From my victory over you, I do forgive, 

For human nature makes us all jealous 

Of our fame. {Enter Abr., takes judge 's seat) 

Leo. — The court is about to open, 

I will leave you, and let heaven guide 
Our future for the best. (Leaves Antony.) 

Sheriff. — Oh yes, oh yes, this court is now opened, (etc. ; 
Abr.— Fellow officers, 

Though we had suspended business for this day. 

Set it apart for holiday and rejoicing 

As is a custom, 

An unforseen accident has compelled us 

To convene and give speedy redress to 

An offended citizen. We will hear 

Antony's case. 

Pros. — Your Honor, the cases of Tom Sawyer and Bill Johnson 
are first on the docket. 

Abr. — This court convened to-day especially for Antony's case. 

Pros. — There is no law that specifies certain prisoners shall be 
favoured either for relationship to its servants or for their 
social worth. (reads) Tom Sawyer and Bill Johnson,, 
breach of the peace. 



57 

Abr.— Tis not 

His relationship to the officers 

Of this court, nor his social standing makes 

His case special, but the seriousness 

Of the charge. 
Pros. — All crimes are serious, and he must await his turn, 

(reads) Tom Sawyer and Bill Johnson, breach of the peace. 

(They are brought forward.) 

Tom to Bill. — It's your fault we're in this pickle. 

Pros. — You are charged with breach of the peace. To this 

Charge what is your plea, guilty or not guilty ? 
Tom. — You see Bill there, was not good humored. 
Pros. — Are you guilty or not guilty ? 
Tom. — He buckeled me and I resisted. 
Pros. — I did not ask to hear your case. Are you 

guilty or not guilty ? 
raw.— Well, we faught. If you call that 

guilty, I am. 
Pros, to Bill. — You are charged with breach of the 

peace. To this charge what is your plea, 

guilty or not guilty ? 
Bill. — The same as him. If he's guilty, I am, 

I won't squeal and try to put it all on to him, 

I'll take my medicine like a man. 
Abr. — This day being a holiday we will excuse 

Your slight offense. You are discharged. 
(Tom and Bill start out.) 
Bill. — That's luck. If they had sent us up for thirty days, how 

could we have stood it without a drink ? I am as dry as 

though I had lived on herring for a week. Let's hurry to 

a saloon. 
Tom. — We will go drown our happiness as some would 

drown their sorrow. (Exit both.) 

Abr. — Any more ahead of Antony ? 

Pros. — Next comes Antony. tHe is brought forward.) 

You are charged with treason and attempt on the life of 



58 

Charles, one of the duke's officers. To this charge what is 

your plea, guilty or not guilty ? 
Ant.— Not guilty. 
Pros. — We will hear Charles. 
Char. — What I have to say you all know well, that 

While passing with the parade, where he was stationed, 

A large cobble hurled with murderous intent, 

Just missed its mission and scraped my knee, and 

'Twas Antony that threw it. 
Pros. — What have you to say to that ? 
Char. — Such an accident happened. 
Char. — 'Twas no accident. 

He had some treacherous design 

No doubt against this government. 

Pros.— Can you prove otherwise ? 

Ant. — Can he prove that ? 

Pros. — What is your defense ? 

Ant. — No more than that I was on the porch 

So interested in the passing parade 

That I leaned my weight against a cobble 

And it fell, with results though not intents, 

Similar to those which he di scribed. 
Char. — Here are more witnesses. (Points to Leo. and guards, i 
Abr. — They know no more than 3*011 so we 

Have no need of them. 
Char. — I say he intended to murder me. 

{Enter Hero and Marg., hading Alice.) 
Abr. — You have not proven it. 
Hero. — Come quick or we'll be too late. 
Alice. —Why in such haste am I brought here V 
Char. — I say he is guilty of treason. 
Hero. — I say he is not and I can prove it. 

Char. — I say he is guilty and should pay the penalty of death. 
Abr. — She says she can prove he is not and conviction goes by 

proof alone. We will hear you. 



59 



Hero. — I say he {pointing to Char.) is guilty of forming a plot to 

ruin Antony. Here is a woman who o'erheard him, (to 

Alice). You tell them, you know it better. 
Alice, — What shall I say ? 
Hero. — What you told me this morning. 
Alice. — I told you nothing. 
Char. — She is the prisoner's lover, and this is an excuse for 

some advantage. 
Hero. — Why, you told me, that Charles and Leopole were plot- 

ing to dispose of Antony. 
Alice, — If ever I have set my eyes on you before 

It has slipped my memory. 

Leo. aside. — Tis wrong for me to be silent. 
Char. — This is some ruse to work your pity, 

She will weep directly. I motion for 

A death sentence as he is proven guilty. 

[Hero places herself beside Antony. | 
Hero. — If he is guilty, then so am 1 as 

An accomplice, for I know his mind and 

Know it to be as free from treachery 

As is God's above, (to Alice) And you know he is to be 

(2)oints to Charles) 

As full of treachery as is a snakes. 

Leo. aside. — I must speak. 

Char. — That's from the case. I motion for a sentence. 

Abr. — There has been nothing proven in this case, 

But I believe, 

This lady has some valuable proof 

Which she imparted to this other. 
Alice. — I know nothing. 
Leo. You lie you do, 

And so do I. Antony, I must speak. 

I envied you for defeating me but 

Never enough without his aid, (points to Char.) to do 

What I have done, 

He pricked me on with goiden promises 



till 



Till I conspired with him to ruin you, 
I pushed that cobble from the porch and Charles 
Is my accomplice. 
Ant. — How about the tie ? 

Leo. — Twas got by trickery, 

Hero is innocent and true to you. 

Ant. — Hero, will you forgive 

My fickle confidence in you ? 

Hero. — I would call nothing fickle 

That was done amid these trials. 

(bells ring twelve.) 
Char, to Abr. — I claim my office, your time's expired. 
Abr. — Antony, I find no proof of guilt against you, 

So you are discharged. 

Char. — Soldiers, he would rob me of my privilege, 
This office and this case to finish are mine, 
And I'll fight for what is mine. 

Ant. — And so will I. (Rushes out and snatches a sword, meets 
Charles, they fight, soldiers drive Leo. and Abr. back with 
bayonets. Antony is besting Charles.) 

Char. — Help me, soldiers. 

(Soldiers go to stab Ant. in the back, Hero steps between.) 
Hero. — Away, you cowards from his back ! 

(Soldiers stab her, she falls.) Ant. stabs Char., turns on 

soldiers and drives them back.) 

Hero. — Antony, I hope you think me true, 
Good by, good by, Antony, (dies.) 

(Antony turns and sees her. throws away his sword and kneels 
beside Hero.) 

Ant.— Hero! Hero! Dead! 

Heaven forgive me for this foul deed, 
For I know no sacrifice or penance 
With which I may redeem myself. 

(Soldiers stab him in the back, he offers his breast.) 



61 



Here, strike where my mortal source is, and end 
My living quick. Then if my earthly qualities 
Of endurance stay with my spirit, 
I will o'ertake her. 

(Soldiers stab hint in the breast.) 

Now my Hero, 
Your Antony will soon be with you. 

(Falls over on Hero and dies. ) 

{Curtain.) 



FISHING FOR FAME. 



Copyright, 1901. 
By F. Simon. 



FISHING FOR FAME 



R 



ow friends, in your conception place yourselves, 
In an uptown club, where wealth alone 
Has qualities for gaining membership, 
Where there's no virtue greater than extravagance, 
As all the furnishings do testify ; 
Such as the walls and ceilings decked with pictures, 
That strive with some success, to rival 
Old Italian art. With here and there 
Large beveled mirrors, of flawless glass, each 
The choice of some selected lot, resting 
On a wainscoating, of polished rosewood, 
That for the beauty of both its knots and grain, 
Is nature's masterpiece, Between the ceiling, 
And a tall man's hight, there hung a chandelier 
Of hand cut glass, upon which height, the artist 
Well fulfilled his task, of making it 
To outsparkle the stary heavens, 
And where artistic taste, would show their beauty 
To best advantage, there hung in loops, 
Rich draperies, on which, while in a spell, 
Some foreign gypsies hand was lead by heaven 
While she embroidered them ; and for genius 
They won the laurels her ambition sought, 
Crowning her the queen of needlework. 



66 



A masterhand had also, planned and made 

The couches and divans which were placed about. 

And seemed but as samples of the carpeting, 

That yielded at each step, as much as one 

Would call a rut upon the highway ; 

Those without experience, would have 

An awkward gate thereon. Such were the parlo rs. 

Then there was a billiard room, a card room, 
A smoking room and a hall for entertainments. 
Each as lavishly furnished in its kind. 

Tis in the smoking room our scene takes place. 

Here were assembled, a half a dozen, 

Young and wealthy sports, each with a tale or two, 

Of some marvelous or lucky catch, 

Of game fish, such as perhaps had happened, 

Twice in a hundred expeditions. 

But to the inexperienced listener, 

It was conveyed as though a common event. 

But one listener there ; a man of middle age ; 

Named Smith, of piqued disposition, 

With plenty of ambition and a craving 

To be famous, one who made it his delight, to slur and try 

To level with himself the lucky ones. 

One who envied those, who, as he claimed, 

Did make a boast, 

Of what they had by accident achieved 

And would have happened to a truant school boy 

Just the same. 

Then spoke he to the rest: 
Is this a quality? is this a gift ! 
To cast a baited line in the unseen deep 
And hane a hungry, brainless fish to chance 
Into the trap? If this is an achievement 
Worthy of this praise, why : Tom Fool's a hero, 
And I would have been, a thousand times, 



67 



And my achievements and my name, would be, 

A subject for short stories in our magazines, 

Or conversation at all social gatherings, 

So it shall hereafter, for, hear me boys ! 

You've bragged of capturing the wiry trout, 

The big mouthed pickerel and the strongest bass. 

When hunger bade him eat just as your line 

Was near. And for thus capturing a defenseless foe 

You pose as heros. Then so will I ! 

Who never craved for fame, but such as 

To the mighty comes. For : hear me boys ; 

When Sol has finished this day at the antipodes, 

And sinks himself behind their western limits, 

To peep with his familiar, golden fire 

Here o'er our eastern hilltops ; when he has 

To start to-morrow, pierced this heavy vail of night 

Enough to make a stream dissernible 

I'll have a line therein and try my skill, 

And as fishes feed but in the day time 

So, after a restless night of fasting 

Their appetit is the best. Now that's a point 

You all overlooked but it could not pass my insight 

And by the time you usually cast a line, 

When all the fish, have crammed their stomraachs 

With their natural food and have no appetite, 

I'll be returning, with all the hungry ones 

That were alert and let my squirming crawler 

Tempt them. I'll prove that I have not lived 

To forty-five without experience. 

That you knew not of. For, while you, 

Were huddled in a lump between warm sheets, 

Perhaps asleep, or. planing the conquest 

Of some fair maids heart, or perhaps, 

With bandaged brow and ices handy, 

To soothe a fever or calm an upset stomach, 

You were stealing from the morning, 

The few hours sleep you'id lost the night before 

At reveling. These were the hours I put 

To some atvantage. Many evenings, 



68 



Did I assort my tackle, for convienance 

And immediate use; and carve such bait 

To regular mouthfuls. 

As to each certain specie, that I sought, 

Was thought to be its favorite morsel. 

Thus was I employed. 

While you before a glass, were inspecting 

Or arranging, some latest style apparal. 

Each of us when finished would go our way. 

You to shine or be a blunder, 

At some social gathering, and I to bed ; 

To have my regular amount of sleep. 

So as to be up and on the way. 

Oft in time, to wish you the happy dreams 

Which I had had, and' you had lost, 

During the period of some entertainment, 

The charm of which decieved your nature, 

To a harmful wakefulness. 

And now with drowsy languishness, you slouch 

Toward home, while I, with brisk and wakeful stride, 

All ambition, make for some dock, or bringe, 

Or boat, or anything conveniant. 

To those selected spots where fishes feed 

'tis keen strategem to always choose aright. 

An amature but once in ten times 

Strikes it lucky, therefore they condemn the sport. 

Gentlemen, not to boast, or try, to crown 

Myself with any fickle title, but 

All my expeditions were successes 

And sent me home o'eiburdened. The marketmen, 

Would miss my friends those days, for I 

Supplied them all. The only thing to mar those trips 

Was the lugging coming home. I always, 

Strained my sinews to the limit, and oft 

A young assistant, to whom I gave a coin 

The novice and the seadog hailed me 

As their champion, and dunned me for instructions. 

When with their knowledge all exhausted, 

They had no fish, to me they came for pointers, 



69 



Which always brought returns. To-morrow boys, 

To prove I am no boaster, I'll make a haul, 

Of this same genius fish ; the trout, 

And my wife's reputation as a cook, 

Is current conversation with her friends ; 

So I will give orders, she shall saison 

And prepare, in several ways, to tempt 

Your different tastes those selfsame fish, 

And you shall be my guest to morrow night. 

I will expect you all at eight. Do you agree ? 

After several toasts and wishes of success, 

Smith bade them all good night and hurried home 

To make his preparation and retire. 

Next morning he arose, while darkness still, 

Did shade all earthly object with its veil. 

Like a harmless barnyarn foul protect its young, 

So did the night protect the earth from light. 

By charging with its light absorbing body 

Upon each artificial ray ; as would 

Some mighty champion who strove to be supreme. 

'Twas a royal battle between light 

And darkness. 

This did not interest our Smith, 

When he'd eaten a few chance morsals ; 

As there was no lingering for a spread, 

And gathered up his choicest bait and tackle, 

He started out, while night was still supreme 

Shielding everything from mortal gaze. 

As he trudged along that one hours walk, 

That took him to the brook, the gray morning light 

The front rank of the day did chance along, 

While charging night and all its powers 

To a full retreat. But to even matters,- 

At the antipodes, night was the master 

And had the weak flank of the day in like retreat. 



70 

So light did conquer darkness and darkness 
Conquered light, and so these two shall battle 
As long as the world goes round. 

This strife 
Did not worry Smith. 'Twas the chilly air, 
That pierced the skin, which his warm bed had left 
So tender, and the deep ruts and washouts 
Into which he stumbled. 

At last, just as 
O'r eastern mountain in a distant orb, 
The sun arose in firy majesty, 
Bold Smith beheld the brook, all crags and rocks, 
At which the stream recoiled, from vain attempts 
To ruin nature's masonry. Quoth he : 
It seems impossible, these rough and 
Narrow limits, can hide the famous trout. 
Why a lurking poliwog could be discerned, 
In any crevice, through this water 
The clearest that's by nature purified 
While buried, then distilled from mountain springs. 

But this meditation was porogued, by 

An approaching rustic, who was practicing 

The robins note, but stopped to praise, 

The quantity of trout within the brook. 

Thought Smith : a simple fellow, one who knows, 

Not more than what he hears from the neighbors 

Who wish to advertise this brook for gain. 

Down the stream he starts in search of 

A better fishing place. Sometimes in bogs, 

Up to his knees, when the chilly water 

Would crawl o'er the tops of his boots. 

Then falling over stumps or limbs, 

Or crawling through thick brush or briars, 

That tore his clothes. Still the streams confines 

Were such that Smith, crossed and recrossed it 

In a jump, when the opposite side 

Seemed best for progress. 



71 

After two hours, 
Off hopping and jumping, from bog to bog, 
Of climbing o'er stumps and crawling through brush 
Each extra twig or cobble, was a 
Monsterous obstacle to tired Smith. 
As though the elements did conspire with fate 
To crush our hero, in the western sky, 
Which at first as far as visible, had not 
A speck to taint it's own familiar azure, 
While the obstacles he met in his progress 
Down the brook absorbed all his attention, 
To save himself from broken limbs and bruises ; 
Then arose a rolling tumbling mass, 
Of blackest clouds, with swollen crest, as though, 
Proud of their mission of discomfort 
And destruction. 

But not until, they had 
Dimed the beauty of the snn, was Smith aware 
Of their approach, not until, its vaporous masses, 
Hindered Sol from throwing shadows 
Outlining different objects, did he look up 
And see the stealthily approaching clouds. 
Then, as so vexed at being discovered 
Before their foremost volley had reached the earth 
And caught it unprepared, the rolling thunder 
Seemed to crach the heavens and lightning 
Sputtered everyweere like limber serpants tongues 
That dart about and warn intruders 
There is danger. And as though bound to damage 
Everything that water would effect. 
The rain fell in such torrents, as though 
The ruffled atmosphere had churned the vaporous clouds 
To a solid mass of water. Such a deluge 
No record ever mentioned. 

Oh pity now 
Our hero, miles from any shelter, 
Chilled to the bone, sore from bruises, weary 
From trudging and climbing, with an hour 



72 

At least of that same traveling', in pouring raiti, 
Between himself and any kind of shelter. 
Still on he trudged for lingering would but 
Prolong his torture. 

Now and again 
He would curse himself for this fool's errand 
And vent a curse, on those who praised, this place 
As being good for Ashing. And by the time 
He had cut his passage to the road 

The rain had ceased, the clouds were sinking in the east 
And Sol once more shown down in all its splendor ; 

Without a single fish he started home. 

Where he arrived, with aching bones 

And rheumatism in every joint ; 

And a cold that brought on fears of something worse. 

But soon his wife, whose every worry was 

For his comfort, had bathed each single ache 

With balm, and with a women's gentle stroke, 

Rubbed through the pores as much as would absorbv 

Then tucked him safe in bed. There he was 

When those invited to the feast arrived. 

According to a humorous resolution, 
They all met at the club, then proceeding 
In a body, were ushered to our hero. 
Some of them he gently reprimanded 
For praising such a place to go for sport, 
And to all he took an oath : he would 
Never fish again ; So with many wishes 
For a speedy recovery they departed. 




FJD^\EnP>ERJft<3 



THE 



wAinn. 



Cojryright, 1901, 1905. 
By F. Simon. 



75 



Y\/ onderful are the works of God. 
And most wonderful his commonest doings. 
Take man himself, where is the work more wonderful. 

Here upon this round globe he has placed us, 

With different dispositions and ambitions, 

To love or hate, to better or break, 

Other of his works, and all we must believe 

Is for some well meant end. Here he's placed us, 

As through adrift, out of his control. 

Here one man kills another for a coin. 

Another coveting his neighbors wealth. 

Here some competing for some other business. 

And countries waring for each others power. 

Thus on small, medium and larger scales 

All is discontent and strife. 

Not for what we need, for our wants are small, 

But for what we see and our eyes see much. 

And what alluring prospect lead us on. 

Dreams of wealth and power, for which we'd drudge, 

Our whole life long, then to awaken 

A common mortal. Tis so with men, concerns 

And countries, all striving for some more. 

There is one instance chronicled, 
In heaven and on earth, where, 
Nor power, nor wealth, nor any moit of gain 
Would crown the noble souls for risking, 
Gun or sabre wounds, pestilence and death. 
No grand conquest of arms or diplomacy 
Was the goal that put those statemen's genius 
To the test, that ranked them with the foremost 



76 

Of the world. No prospect of rich mines to sieze. 
Or fertile valleys to colonize, with 
The roaming populace. 
It was not ambition, it was not greed, 
That brought that noble ship (The Maine) to that 
Fatal anchorage before Havana. 
No, no, but a privilege, by agreement 
Twix the powers, that, (a neutral country 
Could assist its merchants and their interests, 
In a beleagured city.) 
Such was the mission of that noble ship, 
And thus, not mingling in the strife, 
Those brave souls all felt secure. And why not? 
Born and nourished in a country, that gives 
The men of hoDor charges of importance. 
Why should they even surmize? (That a country 
Like Spain, that boasts it was a power, 
In the ancient days of Home's supremacy. 
The first country to land, civilized 
Human being upon this wilderness. 
The foremost country to send its explorers, 
Colonizers and missionaries, 
To these countries, to teach the savages,) 
Would place in the hand of a savage, 
The lives of hundreds of human beings. 
For such was he, who touched that fatal spring 
That wrecked the Maine, and slaughtered its lusty 
Crew as the lay at anchor, guiltless and 
Unsuspecting among the Spanish mines. 

Perhaps he thought that these United States 
Had but one ship for their sea power, 
And in his feverish brain, planned himself 
Destined to control their noble navy. 
Tis a pity that such pevish brains 
Could merit power amongst a nation. 

But what must have been the awakening, 

When those patriots cried, Halt ! 

And the disturbed populace was content 



77 



For such an avalanche of punishment 
Was never dealt to a country before. 

Our noble hearted people, already disturbed, 
By the reports of Spanish cruelty 
To our weak neighbors, needed much less, than 
This wholesale murdering of their gallant seamen, 

To put them in the frenzy which it did, 
But Oh ! the wreck and ruin to Spain. 
The glory to our statesmenship, and to 
Our fighting power. The awakening 
Of the world to our untried resources. 

No sooner than the echoes of that 
Murderous discharge, were swallowed up in space, 
And the soaring fragments that were heaved aloft, 
One after another from their different heights, 
Had dropped and splashed to signal their return. 
Before the cloud of smoke, that like a spirit 
Rose from the wreck, had drifted out of sight. 
All was hustle and hurry for miles around. 
For this foul schock, had like an earthquake, 
Roused the slumbering people and brought them 
From their berths. To the public squares and streets 
Where with thumping hearts and trembling nerves, 
They met in crowds and questioned one another 
Expecting dreadful news. All were alert 
And fidgity, from living near the strife. 

Not so on board the Maine, where there was danger. 

Their each survivor knew his station 

And there he stayed. How could he leave? 

Seeing one brave lad salute the captain 

And report, (The ship was sinking.) 

Fear was a word this crew had merely heard of, 

And so in order keeping step, 

They left the sinking ship as they would have 

To a pleasure visit. 



78 

But with them came 
The tales of horror, that fanned to flames 
The slumbering courage in their countrymen's breast. 
Each succeeding message bringing detail, 
Was as fuel to this patriotic fire, 

And as they flashed o'er this broad land, told and retold 
In husky voices, they awoke a fury 
In our citizens, that naught but war could ease. 

Although a faction strove for peace, they could not 
Down the people's cry. for < War and vengeance. 
Remember the Maine ) So war was declared. 
A policy much discussed in foreign lands, 
That this country, whose army was no more, 
Then wandering bands patroling omong 
The Indian reservations, 
Should challenge the mighty arms of Spain. 

When this offend d nation began to muster, 

The volunteers in swarms besieged their barracks. 

All impatient to avenge, their countries wrong. 

Then were our gray haired veterans besieged, 

By lusty youths, who where anxious to receive, 

Their stowed up kwowledge of the drills,aud everywhere, 

In twos and threes, they would shoulder arms, front face 

And forward march to his stern command. 

This playing soldiers, fired these youthful spirits, 

Th seek the stern reality. 

From everywhere they came, from cities, towns 

And farms. So fast they came the camps looked like 

A hurly burly mob, that never could 

Be disciplined. But what a change in a few short months. 

To see this mob, marching and countermarching 

Or wheeling about in companies 

Or regiments, without a wave in their straight ranks. 

Twas a miracle done with assistance 

Of the god of war. 



79 



While at home the armies were preparing, 

Far off in Hong Kong harbor lay at anchor. 

The Pacific Squadron and its crews, 

Passing compliments with foreign friends. 

'Mid feasting and rejoicing, a message 

From home told of tlie Spanish treachery 

To the Maine. A sister ship sent to the bottom, 

And hundreds of their comrades murdered 

While on a peaceful mission to assist their friends. 

Greeted with smiles and courtesy and oppointed, 

To an anchorage among the Spanish mines, 

Their noble hearted comrades, with minds 

To pure to conceive such mean advantages, 

Were easy victims to this trap. 

A threatening murmur among those men 

When they heard this news, soon changed to hurrahs 

And song as another message followed. 

This declaring war was to them more like 

An invitation to a feast than bloody combat. 

Now could these untried Sailors prove their worth. 

At Manilla Harbor not far off, 
In Spanish waters, guarded, by Spanish 
Forts and mines, there lay the enemy, safe 
And unassailable, to a timid crew. 
But to these men, there lurked a charm in effort. 
They sought not for a fallen foe, but one 
That could make them strain their wits for victory. 

So they set sail for this glorious trip. 

Like a picnic party, 'mid song and cheers. 

With light hearts they steered their fighting hull, 

Through the liquid furrows of the deep 

On to Manilla. 

Past the forts and mines 

Under the veil of night. With not a light 

To warn the drowsy Spanish sentinels, 

And have them spoil this bit of stratagem. 

Not a whisper disturbed the enemy 

Until morn, then at a signal 



80 

From the Olympiad mast, to open fire, 
A dozen cannons roared at once, and sent. 
Their iron missiles of death and destruction, 
At as many objects from which floated. 
The Spanish colors. To rouse them all, 
Inviting their full strenght in opposition. 

As they peered through portholes and cabin doors, 
From watchtowers or over battlements, 
Disturbed from heavy slumbers by this rude 
Intrusion, yawning and gapping, they beheld 
The stars and stripes, and heard from lusty throats, 
The battle cry (remember the Maine). 
Then in confusion, they started their defense, 
Tvvas to late. For the well directed shots, 
From the American ships, had torn large gaps 
In their hulls and riggings, and strewn their decks 
With silent dead and groaning wounded comrades. 
Upsetting order, banishing all control, 
Making their different moves conflicting. 
And thus confused they were a helpless foe, 
Live targets for those well directed shots, 
That quenched the life of more than a thousand men. 
And battered their ships till they all sank, 
With the cost of but one single life. 
Well was the Maine remembered at Manilla. 



Scattered o'er this broad land, in every state, 
Small groups of volunteers did their daily routine 
Impatient to amass and strike the foe. 
Here they received the news from Manilla, 
Praises in colored head lines, mere hints at first, 
But followed by the officialj records, 
Of a complete American victory. 



'81 

The citizens, on hearing the news, 
Came to the camps and swelled their rousing cheer. 
Everywhere, in cities, towns or hamlets, 
They held meetings of appreciation. 
With bonfires and fireworks, or passing 
Resolutions of praises and thanks. 

This double victory, first, 
Of the Spanish fleet, then a country's praise, 
Would make dullest envious, much morn 
These firy youths, and nothing short of 
Leaps and bounds was headway toward meeting the foe. 
Caution was tedious and loudly condemned, 
Prom lowest to highest this spirit prevailed, 
The spirit that makes success. 

Now were the drills more early, 
The inspections more exact The soldiers 
More attentive. The officers more alert. 
All seeking some means of improvement. 
Not even the higher departments, 
Were free from this contagion, there to 
New life was infused, making them cheerful 
And confident and with mighty heaves from 
The highest to the lowest as a man 
Were the preparations hastened, to equip 
The needed force to embark for Cuba 
And whip those guilty of the Maine's sad fate 

Now was each drill hailed as the final. 
Each arrival of equipments, arms or 
Ammunition. The transports reported 
As waiting, while rumors for starting, named 
Every hour for a week. 

Each day in service is divided, 
With the exactness of the sun, naming 
Certain hours for leisure, and not to know 
Those hours now would mean to choose them as 
The hardest. Not a soul but was pawing 
His. effects, culling his choicest trinkets, 
Trading keepsakes or wistfully discarding 



82 

All over a stinted weight. Twas like a 
Busy day in some large industry, where, 
Each has his mind intent, on adding 
His little mite to the one grand whole. 

Far famed are the southern states for sunny days 
Twas on one of the finest they had ever had, 
That the army awoke, had mess and assembled. 
When they heard the command of : Forward March 
Loud and clear, th« i n with all their pride and pains 
Did these different companies move. 
Like so many solid masses, borne on 
Conveyances, so perfect was their maneuvering. 

Now was the harmony 
Between, the different branches well displayed. 
The army, a mighty host of boyant spirits, 
Proud of their might and anxious to display it. 
The navy appealing like so many 
Awkward, bulky hulls (but fitted with equipments. 
That controlled them on the seas, as smooth and gentle 
As caresses) and the fleet of transports 
A queer assortment of crafts, as though, one 
From every model were sent in competition. 
Three seperate forces each subject to 
An independent leader, straining every nerve 
To fulfill orders and anxious for success. 



Tis an old remark, (The sight of a lifetime) 

But in those southern ports there now took place, 

A sight not met with in a thousand lifetimes/ 

Steamers and barges riding on the tides. 

Tossing and tugging at their anchorage, 

Like unruly puppies imposing on 

A timid master. Palacial yachts 

And liners, striped of their beauty, to be 

Of better service, while just beyond them 

Guarding the harbour, rode the ironclads. 

With a bold and threatening confidence. 

The army coming aboard. To the novice 



83 

They appeared a mob, but known to themselves. 

By divisions and sub-divisions, down to 

The smallest group, and, as when a boulder 

That the weathers of ages upon ages 

Had loosened, in one unbroken mass, bounds andre bounds 

To the valley below and leaves the mount unmoved. 

Thus did each company at a call, 

Leave the ranks to be ushered to their berths. 

This was a sight that thrilled the blood, and put abloom 

On the pale cheeks of many a sickly youth 

Who had been rejected. 

When all were aboard, prepared for every possible hitch 

That forethought could invent; What a din was raised. 

Steam whisles blowing to every pitch, 

Druming and fifing and bands a playing, 

The people shouting and waving adieus, 

Boys with their noisiest toys and trinkets; 

The tin can brigade; that's cursed and snailed at 

By the nervous, were now the heros 

This was the scene as the army left for 

Cuba. 



Such a fearless and careless group, 
Had ne'r before taken passage. There they were 
In those frail hulls ; frail compaired to men or war, 
Steering direct to the enemy's stronghold, 
With it's danger of traps, as mines in the seas, 
Masked batterys along shore, or by chance 
To meet the enemy's fleet. 
Neither in their looks or actions was there 
A hint of fear, fear for dangers to come. 
Amusement or excitement was their object. 
And where two boats, nose to nose, were having 
A friendly encounter of speed, twould draw 
A crowd that gave their judgement, by derisively 
Jeering the looser, though the margin were but a foot. 
Groups collected at every upstart. 
As a song or a dance or a trial 



84 

Of skill or endurance. Thus with no thought 
Of their safety, but relying on those 
In command did they sail this venturesome voyage- 
Not an incident with enough importance, 
To be known beyond the office, marred 
The trip up to landing. Then came their need 
Of cleverness. For every harbour, every inlet, 
Where it was possible to laud was well defended. 

Allthough not for warned, more than by forethought. 
They arrived forearmed, knowing the enemy 
To be alert for any mode of attack 
Undaunted by opposition they went ahead 
Straining with recklessness the bounds of safety. 
Peering incivilly into the enemy's affairs. 
Searching the shore above and below 
For a place to force a landing in spite of 
The enemy's advantage. 

Eager to act and confident, they soon 

Made a choice, and in counsel determed their course. 

With wavering signals was each ship instructed. 

When all were ready up went the signal 

(Move as ordered) and as when a herd 

Of timid sheep, startled while grazeing 

Scatter aimlessly, so the ships, some up, 

Some down, baffling the ancious foe 

Drawing them from here to there and back again, 

By assembling at different places, 

Feigning to land, far from where they intended. 

When their ruse had succeeded, selected leaders 

At a signal, with ships equiped and crews 

Instructed, against all foreseen obstacles, 

Boldly charged the coveted landing. 

Twas no modern city with docks and piers 

For convienance, but to shallow water 

Then swimming or wading to shore, while some, 

Skilled marksmen, overawed the weak and baffeled garri- 

With a firing so accurate, that (son 



85 

When a shot missed, twas by a margin so small, 
When whistling by its intended victim, 
Tw,ould make him dodge and try to avoid, 
The bullet that had passed him by a rod. 
By surmounting such obstacles, they gained 
A foothold, the object of this bold stroke. 

Though what was done so far was much, twas but 
The beginning. Twas as wnen a hungry lion, 
Spies a straggling wolf and with one bound, secures 
That dainty morsel. Then a dioing yelp 
Brings round the pack, changing the lions position, 
From easy master to the defensive. 
Then are his qualities called upon. 
Then does he deeds of death and carnage. 
As with one stroke of his mighty paw 
Snapping the spine of one that had ventured, 
Within the bounds of his reach, or with his 
Massive jaws, crushing a skull to pulp 
Unmindful of their struggles and howling 
Then tos»ing them aside, intent upon 
The next until he has downed all opposition 
To his feast. 'T is from such victories as these 
He is known as king of beasts. As with the lion, 
So was it with the Americans now. 

Through their own cunning they had tricked the enemy, 
To expose a certain landing, then taken 
Possession in it's weakness, thus robbing 
The enemy of half it's power ; and 
As they realized this staggering blow, 
Chagrined and furious, they arrayed themselves 
In opposition; changing the American's • 
Position, from easy masters to the defensive. 
This put their fighting qualities to the test. 
And as the lion they enacted, 
Deeds of bravery, skill and cunning. 
Crowing all with a victory. 

As was natural for a time, all was 
Topsy turvy. Food, arms and equipments 



86 

All in a heap, men and companys 
Scattering aimlessly. But the hustling 
And ambitious spirits, prevailing among 
These men soon brought this chaos into order 
As smooth as a model household the pride 
Of a loving wife. 

But war was just beyond. 
War with all it's horrors, it's noise and confusion, 
It's wounds and amputations, its fevers 
And death. Of all the afflictions borne by 
This earth inhabitants, war is the worst. 
Plagues und famines, cyclones and eruptions, 
Are beyond control but war is of mans 
Own making. Men with reason, God's noblest work, 
Man who in pity, would sunder two fighting curs 
Yet they themselves, trained and practiced, in 
The surest way of killing one another. 
Or win praises and honor for planning 
The move or weapen that will do the most harm. 

Nations have their rise and fall as well as men. 
And as they rise they're confident and strong 
And opposition to their onward march, 
Is but a spur to glory, but past the climax 
And declining, all is blunders and weakness. 
So was it now with Spain. Her glories fading, 
Her power loosing hold, opposed by a 
Kising nation with dash and confidence 
Before which they wilted, steadily retreating 
To their stronghold, where, without a siege, almost 
Without a strugle tney surrendered, 
Leaving the Americans in control. 

Thus far, the glories 
Attained in^the struggle for Cuba, went 
To the armies, now come the navies for 
Their share. The government in Spain, knowing 
Their armies plight in Cuba, sent a squadron 



87 

To their aid. Now be it luck or destiny 

Or what it will, but the Spanish admiral 

Through his own cleverness was defeated. 

For clever it surely was, to trick 

The American patrol, and gain 

The harbour where their armies lay. But twas 

His downfall. The American army 

Controling on land and the powerful 

Ships before the harbour, had so cornered 

The Spanish fleet, the best they could wish for 

Was to escape. 

Thus they stood, day succeeded day without 
A suspicious move. The trapped ones, anciously 
Expecting a glimmer of hope, wishing 
Some miracle, would, if only for 
The shortest spell, confuse the guard before 
The harbour, their only road to liberty. 
But no, their vigilance to be free was 
No more thorough, than was their guards to capture 
Things seemed at a standstill, but only seemed. (them 
The army was preparing to harrass 
The imprisoned fleet, cautiously advancing, 
From mound to mound, becoming so threatening, 
That to remain meant sure distruction, while 
In flight there seemed a glimmer of hope. 
But never did a hungry beast, couch and wait 
More patiently for it's favorite morsel, 
Than did the American guard before 
The harbour. Not a speck, or a ripple, 
Within these bounds escaped their notice 
So diligent was the guard. 
The strict routine with the unchanging a;ene 
Was tiring the patients of these brave men, 
Used to changes, to seeing the world. 
When one bright morning, a cry from the watch. 
Ship Ahoy ! In the harbor there. They're coming out ! 
Like a magic wand in fairie tales, 
Turned these men into fighting demons. 



88 

Now all was hustle and expectation. 
Surmising the plans of the enemy. 
As also the best means to oppose them. 
Straight at them came the Spanish fleet, as though 
To ram, to charge their bulky hulls head on, 
To test their beams and armour and leave the honors 
To the shipright, or, perhaps to mingle 
Hull to hull in deadly combat and win 
Or lose decide supremacy then and there. 
But no ! They steer to starboard, thus revealing, 
Their plans was to escape if possible. 

With a base on which to plan their battle, 
The tension on these men relaxed, the tension, 
Caused by doubt and anxiety. The doubt 
The whole worlds in, of what good or ill may 
Befal us this next instant, and the anxiety 
To meet it succesfully. 

The signals 
Waved for battle and from the inerry way 
These tars, heaved at a chain or a rope, 
To hasten the start, bespoke no danger 
In the coming conflict although they knew 
It meant: win or die I 

With a whirling and churning in the rear, 
Out shot these ponderous hulls ; slowly at first, 
But gaining every minute. Straight at the foe, 
In a threatening way. Like some mighty champion, 
Who, while dallying with an easy opponent, 
Keceives a chafning blow, then straight his honor pric- 
He falls to like one inspired. (ked, 

How the fires were fed and nursed, 
As the orders came below : to crowd on steam. 
Until at every turn of the wheel, 
It seemed the joints would sunder. 

Now and then, 
A deafening boom from a heavy gun ; 



8'9 



To try the distance as they drew nearer, 
Would bring all eyes towards the foe, to know, 
Did it hit or splash before or beyond them. 
The first splash beyond the foe, was the signal, 
To open fire; Promptly obeyed almost 
By every gun at once. From the turrets, 
The decks and it seemed from every loophole, 
Streaks of fire and clouds of smoke shot out, 
Laden with iron missiles, of death and 
Destruction. While the force that sent them on 
Their journey, left a recoil, that it «eemed, 
No bolts or mortise eouldSwithstand. 



Both fleets were now sailing at topmost speed. 
Steadily firing. The Spanish, more to 
€heck the Americans, while the Americans 
Were intent on winning. Thus on they fought. 
Sometimes in a lull, taking careful aim 
With a mighty gun, and firing singly, 
So but little smoke would hinder watching 
It's effect Then firing broadsides, volley 
After volley, while for smoke, nothing was 
Dissernable across the ship. Still they fired. 
One would think at random. Then another lull. 
And as they emerged from the vail of smoke 
And peered across the water, from a ship 
Just opposite, a cloud of smoke rose heavenward 
And flying fragments filled the air. 
She's wounded ! was the cry, as she, keeling, 
Was steering for shallow water with her colors 
Slowly coming down. 

The good, the migthy, those worthy 
Of supremacy, be it one person, 
A group or a multitude ; are as gentle, 
As lovable and as sympathetic, 
As they are strong, and although while battling 
For a just cause, they will punish with all 
Their might, when the battle is over they will 



90 

Minister to the fallen with the self same ardor;. 
Such were the Americans. And where 
The enemy's signal meant distress, they 
Lay by, to aid and comfort them as friends. 
Here was an event. These bitter enemies 
Of an hour ago, now anxious for 
Each others comfort. While yet in sight, 
Friends of both were battling in bitterest 
Enmity. 

The Spaniards fought desperately, but their shots 
Went wide of the hulls intend, ^dropping 
Harmlessly into the sea. While the Americans, 
Almost unharmed themselves, had crippled a ship, 
Growing bolder, and drawing nearer, until 
Every shot seemed to rip it's self, into 
A Spanish hull. 

The little spark of hope 
The Spaniards had, that chance or luck might aid them 
Was growing dim, and gloomy were their spirits. 
As the Americans, flushed with confidence, 
Bore down upon them, ripping aud tearing 
Their hulls to pieces, until, one after another, 
They all surrendered, crippled and helpless. 

Thus ended the battle, made so vicious 
By the men in remembrance of their comrades, 
The victims of the Maine. 




Jol^pauljoi^' 



Copyright, 1906. 
By F. Simon. 



93 



JOHN PAUL JONES. 



' ' Man the stoutest, swiftest ship that 's England 's 
And sink that treacherous pirate that robs its commerce. 
Thus spoke the King of England to his admiral. 

The care and the interest taken to fill 
This command, none but the King himself could arouse 
Though muffled censure doubted the wisdom 
Of opposing the pride of England 's navy 
To a lonely pirate boat; forward with 
The King's command, downed all dissension; 

Glorious and mighty appeared their ships, 
Moored within sight of admiring friends. 
Who in their visions saw the Eichard, 
A humble captive trailing behind, or, 
A torn and battered wreck totally helpless 
On the seas, being tossed at random 
For a while, then drawn below, ship, crew and all 
Entombed in a watery sepulchre. 
While their proud ship strutted o 'er the sea, 
Like a winning fowl that, jealous of its honor, 
Starts at each kick as though it were a challenge. 

That a good start is not always followed 
By a good finish was well proven 
In the present case, for never was an 
Undertaking launched with brighter prospects. 
Joy and confidence shone in every face. 
'Twas a general gala day, as though 



94 



This undertaking was some pre-arranged 
Affair that must end to their liking. 



Now look we to this so-called pirate. 
From America he hailed, America; 
A poor and struggling infant country. 
Struggling defiantly against the oppression 
Of a tyrannical parent. 
'Twiis a struggle for rights and liberty 
That belong to all civilized people. 
'Tw.°<5 not a war for glory, conquest nor 
For honor. }}ut for each one's good, where each 
Made the cause his own, seeking commissions 
And enlistments, determined to spend 
His little energy against the foe, 
And willing, if need be, his life. 



One of these was our hero, John Paul Tones. 
Tones was a sailor all his life. A sailor 
In that age of dangerous voyages, 
Before man knew of the power in steam, 
When captains depended on the tides and wind 
That drove them back and forth. When squalls and tempests 
Oft o 'ercame the cleverest seamanship 
And drove their ship to ruin. In an age 
When sailors were noted for skill and daring, 
He was famous. 



His country was at war with mighty England, 
And as when a mother wolf to shield her young 
Braves the intruding lion, by snapping 
And snarling and dodging her light and speedy self 
About the bulky enemy, to keep him 
From the prize the while she summons help, 
So was his country. Weak but determined, 
Hampering the enemy for delay. 



95 



Convincing its slumbering patriots 
Of their power and rousing the timid 
From their awe of England 's boasts. 



'Twas at the first call for aid that our hero 
Left his flourishing enterprises, 
To enlist with his penniless country. 
Penniless was his country indeed, yet rich; 
Eich with such patriotic souls as his. 
Men that are cautious until confident, 
But when roused each equal to ten such 
Reckless, boasting hirelings as their opponents. 



So anxious were these people for their freedom, 
So set on having it, even if war 
Must beget it, that, as their messengers 
Rode on, spreading the news, in every group 
Where it was delivered there were many, 
Far from home marching to the front. 
From the north, south, east and the west they came, 
Singly, in couples, in groups, and in crowds. 
Willing fighters came in plenty, but 
Their country was too poor to furnish them. 
They had a purpose and had come determined. 
Their country's poverty did not wilt their spirits. 



They found a way: friends and acquaintances 
Were dunned for funds. To gray-haired daddies, 
Now retired, enjoying at ease the shrewd 
Investments of their life of toil, 
Was the cause advanced, and with such zeal 
Were its prospects if successful praised, that 
One and all risked to the limit of his store. 
When these collections were alloted, still 
They were short, for war is costly and many 
Were unprovided. 



y<; 



Among those idle 

But not dismayed was our hero, John Paul Jones. 

And as the prospects for employment 

Were very slim at home he sailed for France. 

France already had done much to aid 

This struggling nation, but not one 

Promising plan did they refuse. So when 

Our hero, whose fame for skill and daring 

Was already known in France, proposed himself 

To hamper England 's commerce, funds were soon pledged 

To aid him. 



The road to great achievements is not 
Plain sailing, 'tis full of obstacles and 
Envious opposition, but they really 
Are the tests that prove your title. 
Some tests now happened in our hero 's lot. 
Being heralded as a mighty man, 
Aided financially by confiding friends, 
He must make good his title. Ships were scarce. 
It was a problem to equip himself. 
The Ranger, a sailing vessel, on which 
He had crossed to France, was refitted for 
A cruise. With this and a few smaller ships, 
He risked encountering England 's men-of-war. 
His officers were all Americans, 
While his crews were from a dozen countries. 
But, a successful leader's spirit is 
Contagious, regardless of creed or country. 
So these men, swayed by our hero, 
United to his purpose as a man, 
Sailed with him to oppose his enemy. 



Direct for England's coast they sailed, except 
A few abouts, in which they overhauled 
Some minor prizes. Afid with a boldness 
That showed contempt for England's guard, they went ashore 



97 



And carried off the Earl of Shelkirk's plate 
(This they afterwards returned). Cruising further 
They encountered the Drake, an English frigate 
Of equal size. This they made a prize of 
And proudly sailed for port. 



That humbling England pleased the French, was 
Well approved on reaching port by the joy 
And satisfaction that beamed on every 
Countenance. Hurrahs and welcome greeted 
Their every appearance. Fetes and treats 
Were offered in abundance as we! 1 as 
Offers of service. 



From the stock of choice positions offered 
To our hero, he chose the command of 
The Indian l planned to be a most thorough 
Man-of-war with the most modern engines 
Of destruction. But many months were needed 
To complete it. Meanwhile he lived at ease, 
The petted hero of the French, the guest 
Of honor at receptions and the idol 
Of the ladies. 

While thus wasting many months in idleness, 
Allured by fickle fortune to await 
His promised honors, his country, by its 
Aggressive tactics, had earned for itself 
An alliance with France. England's objection 
Was all in vain. France had too long smothered 
The embers of its hatred for England 
To slight this opportunity to strike 
Its bitterest foe. 

To be prepared for the results to come 
From the breach thus made, their promised honor 
To our hero was recalled and the Indian 
Was transferred to strengthen their favorite 
Admiral's fleet. 



98 



Once again was the path of our hero 's 

Great achievements apparently checked. 

But not for long. Eegretting the loss 

Of these months of idleness, stung to the quick 

By the late disappointment, his genius spirit 

Rose to its height and from the barrenest prospects 

He mustered a fleet that today is world renowned. 



Money was pledged in plenty by faithful friends. 
But ships were scarce and all their anxious search 
Procured was five. Of these an Indiaman 
Served as flagship, being christened: Bonhomme Richard; 
The Alliance, in command of Landais, 
The Pallas and two smaller vessels 
Completed the fleet. 



Many of their friends and sympathizers 
Lined the wharf where the fleet was assembled. 
Eagerly they lent a hand to hoist 
The stores aboard or fetched lumber and nails 
To where the shipwright worked at strengthening 
Some weakness in the hulls. If a sailor 
Ventured on an errand he was quickly hailed 
And questioned, praised and followed, every remark, 
Every act, every expression from the crowd, 
Was in that spirit that kindles one 's ambition 
To dare for such approval to the verge 
Of recklessness. Such was the popular 
Spirit towards those men delivered in person 
At the wharf and signaled to them as they sailed. 
Long beyond the range of the naked eye, 
Through powerful glasses, were they still seen 
To be signaling. 

Sailing onward o 'er the mighty Atlantic, 
Nothing but water every way they looked, 
With a watchful lookout scanning the horizon 



9P 



For a sail — perhaps an enemy 

More powerful than themselves, watching in return, 

And as each discerns the flag, close in for battle. 

Then and there on that pitiless deep, 

That could straight down more than ten times span 

Their tallest mast, with the most powerful 

Engines of destruction known, attempt 

Each other's surrender. Perhaps until 

One with an ugly wound that lets in water, 

Can be seen to slowly settle, then keel 

And dive below, the water closing o 'er it 

Whirls and bubbles till the next wave blots out 

All trace of ship or where it sank. Such were 

The chances these men took, surely nothing 

For the timid. 



Providence favored our hero. 
To be defeated was not his destiny. 
His command was endowed with a charm 
That o "erawed his opponents and led him 
To glories and honor. The many captures 
He made, with such amazing boldness, 
The speed and skill of his maneuvering 
Made the reports to England have him 
In several places at once. To mention 
John Paul Jones to an Englishman was like 
Conjuring devils. He could sail ai will 
In English waters and maul their commerce 
To his liking, for it seemed no fighting ship 
Dare meet him. 



Shame and ridicule rankled England 's pride 
To be thus boldly defied, and the harm 
They had suffered, from a source they were wont 
To sneer at. Incentives were now offered 
To the captain that would make our hero captive. 



ICO 

The mischance of encountering our hero 

Fell to the Serapis. Far out at cea 

They met for this world-famed struggle. Both with 

The selfsame purpose, to crush the enemy; 

For their countries were at war and they both 

Were loyal, determined his was right. 

From two specks on opposite horizons, 
Eagerly they watched each other, drawing closer, 
Until, as though by magic at a click, 
They recognized that they were enemies. 
Then, like two vicious beasts of equal strength, 
Who, while seeking prey do spy each other 
And in jealous fury rush to combat, 
Thus did these two fleets. 

At first the rules of battle were observed 
By firing and maneuvering just within range. 
And proud were the friends of both who beheld 
Their skillful seamanship. The most brilliant charge 
Of either was with such skill eluded 
That little harm was done. This was not to 
Their liking. After each miss or sally 
They drew closer, to make more sure to hit 
Each other, until they finally could hit 
A certain part. 

How they then fought, their decks bestrewn with dead 
And wounded, 'mid a stangled mass of ropes 
And beams. Their railings shot to pieces 
By the firing that raked their decks. Their sails 
Were a mass of rents, while some were useless. 
Still they fought as furious as at first. 
Each was confident he was the stronger; 
They were closing in, each to sink the other 
And end the struggle quick or brave him 
To surrender. 

The sun for many hours 
A witness of this fray, now sank from sight 



101 

On its daily western route and twilight 

Closed them in. Still they fought. So elose were they 

No shot was thrown away. Both hulls were pierced 

Almost at every foot. Tangled ropes and chains 

Were dangling loosely. The ornaments 

That once adorned the bow hung broken 

And twisted on a single bolt. 

One-half the guns of either were crippled. 

Men in relays worked at the pumps, 

A very dangerous post, so much exposed, 

But simply a surer death to leave them. 

Darkness had succeeded twilight. Still they fought. 
Sometimes lost to one another, until 
Their firing told where they were. 'Twas while thus 
Lost like grouping round, they came alongside. 
Then the brave but misconceiving Pierson, 
When he demanded a surrender, 
Was informed by John Paul Jones 
(That he'd not yet commenced to fight.) 

Their boats were now lashed together. 
And man to man with sword and cutlass 
They hacked and stabbed away, each trying 
To board the other. Strong and rugged men 
Did face each other. With keen edged blades they fought. 
They would thrust and parry once or twice, 
Then hack away like mad, until exhausted 
Or weak from wounds, they would fall and crawl 
To shelter. No tender hands would dress their wounds. 
No gentle nurse would bathe their aching parts, 
Nor sooth their worried spirits. But helpless 
And unnoticed many lay, while their lifeblood 
Slowly oozed away. 

Neither side could long withstand this carnage. 
Nor was it intended that they should. 
Our hero, while mingling in the fiercest 
Of the fray, directing every move, had 



102 

Trained his guns to sweep the enemy r s decks, 
Driving them below for shelter. 
Then from the rigging throwing hand grenades 
Among them, threatening their magazine. 
Completed the victory for our hero. 



Being now cornered, so hopelessly trapped 
That even a sally for delay meant 
Plunging to sure death, the brave and hardy 
Piersons now surrendered that not one life 
Should wantonly be lost. 



So close had the battle been, that for a time 
Some of the English officers, thought 
They were the victors. 



Through this long and vicious struggle 
Their comrade ships stood off, their crews and officers 
Awed by its awful grandeur, were helpless 
To assist. A few shots from the Alliance, 
It was proven, hit the Richard, for which 
Its commander was disgraced. The Pallas 
Captured the ship (Earl of Scarborough), 
One of Pierson 's command. The Richard was 
So badly damaged it sank the next day. 
Such were the victories of John Paul Jones, 
For which the English called him pirate. 



Copyright 1908 
By F. P. Simon, 



Concord and Lexington. 



\X/ e've oft in schooldays seen an overfed bully 
Nag a smaller urchin to such desperation, 
That he turns and in his blind fury 
Thrashes his big tormenter. So did 
The minute men the English regulars 
At Concord. 

England and its American colonies 

Were at swords' points, braced for combat and simply 

Awaiting a pretext to commence. 

Each had long surmised a conflict and had 

Secretly prepared for it. 

The Colonists 
Had outgrown their dependence, but England 
Was loath to release its absolute sway. 
Successful opposition to former burdens 
Had made them confident. While to punish 
Its unruly offspring England added more, 
Until the sting of their contemptible sway 
Had made the Colonists desperate. 

To awe the Colonists to submission, 

A British fleet, filled with hauty regulars, 

Was anchored at Boston. 

Well did the Colonists know the General 

In command and his proud boast; of landing 

His seasoned veterans and subdueing 

Them by fright. 

Xot a minute while they lay at anchor, 



106 

But watchful sentinels in relays 
Observed their every move, expecting that 
Their pride and confidence would tempt them to 
Some exploit. 

Th Colonists, at intervals throughout 

Their settlement, had stations for foodstuffs 

And ammunition which they'd collected. 

Not that they looked for war, but as a guard 

Against the worst those troubled times might Dring. 

The British, knowing of these stations, thought 

'Twould give them glory and prestige and quench 

The Colonists spunk, if they could slip out, 

Destroy their stores, and proudly return, to the 

Wonder and amazement of the people. 

Thus they planned. Pleased at the prospect, no thought 

Of fear, they made their prparations. 

Well was the forethought 
Of the Colonists rewarded, when, one night. 
Their sentinels, by signals pre-arranged, 
Informed the messengers: That the British 
Were disembarking. 

As swift as horse could travel 

They spread the news. "To arms, to arms!" they cried 

At every farmhouse and through the village. 

"The regulars are coming!" Thus for miles around 

They roused the people. 

Silently, the British disembarked. 

Cautioned against noises. Puffed with confidence, 

And anxious for adventure. 

Unmolested they marched on, seemingly 

Unobserved, for nothing else was stiring. 

Pleased they surely were, for in whisperings 

They were discussing, the astonishment 

Of the people on the morrow. 



107 



The distant tolling of bells 
Was their first interruption. This they thought strange. 
But took it for some freak observance. 
But as it increased, from the right, the left. 
From everywhere, it gave them some concern. 
Still, on they marched, hoping 'twas but their fancy. 
Vain hope, for with the tolling of bells 
Came the muster. Drumming and fifing everywhere. 
To real and systematic to be but fancy. 
The people knew their plans, and their jokes 
And laughter turned to chagrin and anger. 
For with all their contempt for the Colonists, 
They knew they had been outwitted. 

In silence and depressed they trudged along. 
Passing farmhouses that seemed deserted. 
But those within were busy. 
Their favorite muskets they were o'erhauling. 
Their constant companion, of which the owner 
Knew every whim and how to favor it 
To make it effective where he desired. 
Towards Lexington they marched unmolested. 
But the simple farmers along the route, 
Silently viewing their passing, was a 
Mighty power they foolishly were nagging 
To action. 

The minute men 
Had made Lexington a rendezvous. 
Here they assembled at muster, answered 
Roll call, drilled and schooled themselves in tactics. 
As much for pastime as for a purpose. 
They were a sort of club. 

The first opposition to the British 
Was this same club. Being suspicious of 
Their intentions, they had formed a system 
Of signals and messengers, to keep informed 
Of the goings-on and to summon 



108 



Their little band when danger threatened, 
Where they were on guard. 

On that fatal morning at the call to arms, 
About four score assembled. They rudely 
Observed the manual at arms, aud 
Humbly prayed to God for strength. 
Then awaited what was to come, determined 
To do their utmost, in defense of their 
Just rights. 

Messengers by several routes brought the news 
Of the British approach, convincing all 
That the stores at Concord were their object. 
These were hastily removed. 

Just as the morning's light was making 

Everything within range discernable, 

The regulars hove in sight. More, more they come, 

With their measured tread, these thousands of feet 

Acting in accord and so precise, 

Their helmet capped bodies swayed to each step 

Like one solid mass. Then their gaudy uniforms 

And mounted officers in spangles of gold. 

An awe-inspiring sight. 

What a contrast. These eighty odd plain farmers 
In homespuns, lined up to impede this host. 
Not a man faltered as the regulars approached, 
Hussaring for the king. They stood 
As though transposed, and so they were; but not 
For fear, not for themselves, but for their wives 
And families. They knew the consequences. 
They knew their countrymen's determination 
.And England's boasting confidence. 
Why should they not hesitate? 

Snearing and mocking, the regulars halted, 
Demanding that they disperse as rebels. 



109 



As Lhey lingered undecided, 

The command: To fire! and whistling bullets 

Roused them. Then their comrades, staggering 

And falling, proved they were in earnest. 

A few shots were returned, hut they soon retired 

From this unequal contest. 

Hussaring for the king, 
Proud of this victory; an easy, one 
That gave them confidence, but the first 
And only one on this eventful day; 
The regulars marched on, jokingly planning 
Conquests by fright, of scattering whole hordes 
Of timid Colonists, merely by feinting 
Or making a noise. The thrashing they were 
To receive was never suspected. 

From there to Concord they met no further 

Opposition. Weary from their long march, 

They lounged about. A detachment sent to 

Destroy the stores, found them removed. This shrewd 

Forethought of their simple opponents 

Vexed them so, they wantonly destroyed 

The miller's flour, private property. 

The countrymen were now well roused. Stung by 

The wanton murder of their friends; humbled 

By this bold intrusion, rage led them on. 

Not to make war on this formidable host, 

But the self -same impulse: To be there 

To aid their comrades in whatever 

They would attempt. 

To the south of Concord, 
The ground rose slightly, making an ideal spot 
To observe the British from a distance. 
The minute men were assembling there, 
Discussing the goings on. The regulars, 



110 



Foiled in their mission of destroying: stores. 
Were anxious for some action to equal 
Their disappointment, and willingly did 
A detachment advance to clear the hill. 

Gay and confident, they approached. But those 

Upon the hill stood firm, until they'd 

Trapped the regulars across a stream 

That would hinder their retreat; then they advanced. 

The regulars fired a volley to check them. 

True was their aim, for several were seen 

To stagger and fall, while others clasped their breasts,. 

And leaning heavily on a comrade, 

Were led away. But the rest. Instead of 

Quelching their ardor, it kindled to a 

Desperate fury their smoldering rage, 

And like reckless demons, regardless of 

Danger or death, they charged the British, 

Killing and wounding some, and pressing 

The others with such vigor, they fled 

To rejoin their comrades. Thus they met 

A reverse through the minute men's pluck. 

'Twould have been folly for this small force 

To pursue, so they lingered at a distance, 

Observing the British lounging about, 

Telling stories or playing games, all unconcerned. 

No thought of danger, all occupied with pleasure, 

While waiting to return. 

Fortune's dealings with us mortals is all deceit. 

Take those regulars there, so much at ease, 

So unconcerned, so unsuspicious 

Of the deaths, the rout and shame that would humble 

Their haughty spirits in the next few hours. 

While deceiving fortune had lured them to expect 

A glorious revel. The most alluring spell, 

That has nothing but visions of ease and pleasure, 

Is but a, veil that hides the greatest pitfall. 



Ill 



At the command to fall in line, each sought 

His alloted place which discipline had 

Made a habit. A few interested groups, 

Delayed, to finish a story or a game, 

Then hurried to their places. 

Thus in the shortest time was this scattered bcdy, 

Arranged in systematic regularity 

And on their way returning. 



Of the minute men that were assembling 
In patriotic sympathy, a large part 
Came to Boston. Upon being informed 
Of the state of affairs and the invaders' 
Whereabouts, they hurried off to meet them. 
Concord being so remote from where they 
At first assembled, few of the minute men 
Had arrived near there, but they almost doubled 
Each succeding mile to Boston. 



The regulars, having rested and 
Being thoroughly confident their presence 
Had struck terror to all opposition, 
They started to return. For quite a distance 
They were not molested. The few scattered minute men 
Timidly observed them from a distance. 
Further on, in twos and threes they passed them. 
Not quite so timid. But a sally 
By a dozen regulars soon dispersed them. 
Further down the road, the groups were larger 
And more of them. They no longer ran 
From these feints by a handful of men, but fought them 
And drove them back. These successes gave them courage. 
They separated and drew nearer. 
With trees, stone walls and mounds as bulwarks. 
They crept within range and singling out a victim 
They seldom missed him. 'Twas getting serious 
With the regulars. They changed from dress parade 



112 

To studied tactics. Flanks were formed to guard 

Their left and right, containing many veteran?. 

These, iike the sallies for a time, 

Made the minute men more cautious. They moved away 

For safety, then kept risking more and more 

To fathom the power of this new arrangement. 

Both flanks were soon an easy target 

To these skilled marksmen. Protecting themselves 

Behind the natural defences 

Of a rugged country, each the general 

Of ais own safety, they soon upset 

The order and nice formation of this 

Martial force and forced them, humbling r .nd cowering, 

Into one big herd. Disorder spread among them. 

From end to end they soon resembled 

A confused mob, frightened beyond control, 

Desperately urging onward, in hopes 

That a little beyond there was relief 

From this merciless punishment. In vain 

The officers recalled the boast; that they 

Would subdue these simple countrymen by fright. 

Nor their pleadings, nor urging, nor their threats 

Had any effect. They were hopelessly 

Demoralized. 

As the regulars weakened, the minute men 

drew stronger, through new recruits. Each success 

Ma fie them more confident, and they would risk 

A little clcser. Selecting a tree 

Or a stone wall that had a better range, 

Or anything that would shield them 

From the random firing of the regulars. 

There they would go until they almost 

Could choose their victim. 



The plight of these boastful regulars 

Was getting pitiful. Their dead and wounded 

They abandoned where they fell, or let them seek 



113 

A grassy cot to give them comfort 

And ease their suffering until their spirits fled 

And left them food for vultures. 

Although the Colonists fought like merciless beasts, 

Twas against principle, not men, and as victors 

They sought the fallen and cheered and nursed them. 

The regulars were thrashed and driven 

Like submissive slaves into Lexington. 

Here the reinforcements they had summoned 

At the first sign of opposition, 

Had formed a hollow square for their protection. 

What a contrast between this surging mob 

And the trim and systematic heroes 

Of the morning. Hungry and thirsty, 

Lame and sore, gasping for breath from this fearful chase, 

They staggered or stumbled, were dragged or crawled, 

Into this friendly shelter, where they dropped, 

Exhausted and helpless. 

The relief from this assistance was a Godsend. 

But' twas not for long, for the Colonists, 

Having completely mastered the famous regulars. 

Were fired with such confidence, they began 

To recklessly outdare each other, 

To approach within positive range. 

Thus they cut short this period of rest 

And refreshment, forcing them to move for safety. 

With the chagrined submission of beaten champions. 
They made random efforts to uphold their prestige. 
Each one proved their weakness. Every charge 
Was towards safety and their ships. 
Unmindful of the rear, where the Colonists 
Did most harm, they kept surging forward. 

The thought, that the Colonists were their master, 
Was like a thorn pricking their proud conscience. 



114 



As a balm to allay this knawiDg rage : 

They murdered the old and feeble, the women 

And children. Destroyed much property 

By firing houses and barns. Damaging trees 

And fences, or anything of value. 

Destroying the labor of days and days 

In as many minutes. 

The Colonists 
Continued this terrible punishment 
All the way to Boston, while the regulars 
Continued their spiteful vengeance. 



Bui^er \\\\l 



Two Cooies Received 

MAR 18 1^09 



CLASS CU X 



XXc. No. 
COPY "8. 



1909. 

By F. P. Simon. 



Bunker Rill 



The inventions, discoveries, careers 
Or revolutions whose benefits were 
Most widespread and lasting, all grew 
From humble beginnings. So did 
The American Revolution. 

The imposing liberties that the British 

At Boston took with the colonists 

And their property, had caused thousands of 

Patriotic sympathizers to assemble 

Eager for any suggestion that would 

Aid them to gain redress. 

In sight of Boston was this host encamped. 

A mighty power they were if subject to 

A general purpose. But as they were 

They were a helpless force. In pairs and groups 

Without a leader, or companies with 

Separate leaders. All independent bodies. 

Though no one's, authority was supreme, 

Their interests and zeal were so strongly 

In accord, they naturally worked together. 

Some chosen companion, some natural leader, 
Lead each group or company. Among them 
Sturdy veterans of the Indian wars. 
To agree upon some action these assembled, 
And in counsel they advised each other; 
Swapped suggestions and argued the why or 
Why not, this, or that, was a good attack 
Or defence. Oft assenting to 
A fiery argument, just to keep peace. 



118 

When it was proposed, to occupy 

Bunker Hill, many favored the suggestion 

And they gave such effective reasons 

That all soon approved of the plan 

And agreed to do their utmost towards its success. 

To make sure the enemy would not learn 

Their plan, and interfere with its success 

They swore secrecy even to their inmost friends. 

They ordered 
A chosen number to meet at sunset 
They equipped them with pick and shovel and 
As darkness settled round them they marched forth 
Bidding their recruits to follow.. 

Where the following events take place 
A wide stretch of lowland fringed the harbour, 
Then rose in several hills. On one of these 
Their engineers had staked out a stronghold. 
There's where this fearless band was heading. 

Sentinels were stationed at intervals 

As a caution against surprises. Some 

Patroled the harbour bank, so close to the 

British ships moored there, they could plainly hear 

Their "All's Well, in the stillness of the night. 

.lust at midnight they began their task. 

O f digging tranches and building mounds. 

All through the night they worked, with a diligence 

That was superhuman. Not trying to 

Outdo each other, but each working 

To the limit of his endurance, 

Unmindful of the rest. 

.Vv iien the morning's light came creeping from the east, 
Slowly increasing the distance in which 
Things could be discerned, when it entered 



119 



The chambers of the slumbering toilers 

And roused them to renew life's toil and strife, 

It also disclosed to the British 

This stronghold built through the night. 

When the British watch beheld these mounds 
Of fresh loam and earth, and Ihe strange activity, 
He gave the alarm and roused his comrades 
From their peaceful slumbers. As they emerged 
From the hatchways and approached the railing, 
They were for a time at a loss 
Whether to accept this as in earnest 
Or a mere plaything. But the memory 
Of the colonists' spunk, on several 
Late occasions, made this appear more serious. 
They signalled to ther comrade ships 
So they could view this wonder. 

A few proud officers, snaered at treating 

Such a flimsy fort as an obstacle. 

But others from bitter experience 

Knew the metal of those within, and they 

Strongly upraided their rasher friends 

For considering the colonists, 

A timid mob that would lose heart 

And scatter, at any random show of force. 

Their wise counsel prevailed, 'twas decided 

With their cannon, to hinder the colonists' progress. 

While they prepared for a mighty attack. 

The British gunners had so long been inactive, 

They were getting listness and disinterested. 

The command to fire was just the thing to rouse them. 

Eagerly each attended to his part. 

Or assisted where 'twas needed, 

Anxious that his~ crew should in some way 

Outdo the others, in carrying out 

This order. All morning long they kept firing, 

There leing no return, 'twas like target practice. 



120 

A few well directed shots, that whistled 

O'er the colonists' head, or ploughed the ground near by, 

Sent them scattering at first, but when their leaders 

Mounted the works, and calmly directed 

Their labors while thus exposed, 

They held the British firing in contempt 

And made their poor marsmenship a theme for jokes. 

Now that they were discovered, and knowing 

The British would in some way or another 

Try to dislodge them, they worked the harder 

To strengthen their fort. It seemed their endurance 

Had no limit. They had toiled all night, 

And all through the morning, without sleep or rest 

Or food. Anxiously they waited, for relief 

Or refreshments, but all in vain. As the day 

Wore on and each returning messenger, 

Brought no more comfort than the first, their spirits 

drooped. 
And why not? 'Twould crush the staunchest loyalty, 
Wilt the stoutest heart, to think their friends, 
Their companions, should ignore their call for aid 
When informed of their desperate straits. 
Twas no wonder that many, disgusted 
At such treatment, boldly left the ranks, 
Asserting 'twas but a treacherous trap 
To deliver them to the enemy. 

The morning was a thing of the past 
And the afternoon was partly gone. 
But not a British soldier had left the ships. 
As the sun dial told the minutes toward evening, 
That meant, Sol was nearing to where he hides 
His light, the colonists' spirits rose, cheered 
By the thought of a night of rest, and of 
The aid from their friends, that would come in the dark- 
ness. 
Their hopes and prayers proved in vain, for, 
By mid-afternoon the British started 



121 



Disembarking and preparing to attack. 
'Twas a mighty disappointment 
After that long delay that so much bouyed . 
Their spirits. But such was the will of heaven. 

A mighty roar of cannon from all the ships 
And shot striking and bounding everywhere, 
Was the first move in the British attack. 
All about the fort theiy trained their guns, 
Making it folly to be exposed. Then 
Unmolested, did the British with rafts 
Land their army. 

Th^y quickly formed for battle. A long line 

Of solid companies, two or more deep, 

In gaudy uniforms and polished arms 

And such perfect discipline, every move 

At their captains' command, of hands or feet, 

Or guns or body, was so smooth and uniform 

They appeared like one long unbroken streak. 

!n a short address, their general 

Praised their past performances, and urged them 

To repeat them. Making no allowance 

For the difference in their opponents. 

The honors that they boasted, were won from 

Hordes of uncivilized blacks, armed with spears 

And arrows, that were harmless in comparison 

With their guns. Where their greatest danger lay 

In treacherous massacres. 

Now their opponents were their equal, in 

Intelligence if not experience. 

The British general 
Ordered an attack, and he so belittled 
The colonists' powers, he chose to brave them 



122 



From the front, and they upon a hill, 

In itself a strong defense, then strengthened 

By the earthwprks. Oh, 'Twas costly conceit. 



'Twas a memorable hour 
To these untried colonists, while the British 
Prepared their attack. Few breasts possessed their 
Normal beat, while in many the thumping 
Was so strong 'twas noticed by their neighbour. 
While the British prepared to attack 
The colonists prepared their defence. 
When placed as their leaders thought to best advantage 
They watched the enemy. 

The gauidly equipped, and formidable 

Regulars, were surely awe inspiring. 

Thus they effected the colonists. 

Under their magic spell they stood and stared 

Like fixtures. Except when catching their breath, 

Or, when forcing back the lump that seemed bound 

To stick in their throats. 'Twas not fear, 

Simply doubt and anxiety. 

Their leaders' encouragement, would rouse them 

From this state of awe, as 'they thus addressed them: 

Now, boys, be brave. Remember they are but men 

As we are, as sensitive to pain, as 

Liable to death. They wear no armour 

That's proof against your bullets. Take careful aim. 

Be confident men, for, come how they will 

They'll be exposed while we're protected. 

Don't be too anxious. Wait until they're close. 

Your strength lies in your skill so take no chances. 

When you can distinguish the whites of their eyes, 

Aim low and blaze away. Thus they encouraged 

The men and mingled with them, addressing 

Many by name, giving an encouraging 

Pat on the back, where they were more familiar, 

Or to some spokesman who told what they intended. 



123 

Twas a thrilling and an inspiring sight, 

Especially to those raw recruits, as 

They peeped o'er their battlements. The steady 

Roar of cannon from the many ships, 

A-whistling, from nothing, passing 

Over them like a streak, as a shot sped past. 

Some buried themselves in the eearth near by. 

When a dull thud told of the force that sent them there. 

While the shower of sand, that scattered over 

The colonists, was the only damage done. 

Then these many rafts towed back and forth 

With their martial freight. It took several trips 

To land each company. Then they would march 

To their allotted place in one long column. 

Full three thousand regulars were landed, 

To route the colonists from their new-made stronghold 



When all the companies were in their places 
In one long column, then came the final line-up. 
The command of "Attention!" was simply 
To rouse the first arrivals, who, while waiting 
For the rest had become absorbed in their 
Personal affairs. 

Everything was now ready for their advance. 
The firing ceased, that had kept the colonists 
Under cover. Then this long line of regulars 
Started towards them, as powerful, and 
As unconcerned of what was before them, 
As an ocean roller on some shallow beach. 
At first, lost in the vastness of its surroundings, 
But getting mightier and mightier as it approached. 

That the colonists, did not flee from fright, 
Proved that they were determined patriots. 
Very few of them, were not agitated, 
And itching to fire much too soon 
But their leaders made them wait. 



124 

Impatiently they fidgeted their guns. 
Now and then taking careful aim at some 
Conspicuous figure, then stopping short, 
Dismayed at wasting such a perfect range. 
But such was their confidence in their leaders, 
A few odd shots were fired, but one could tell 
From the mild way these stern, and determined 
Leaders rebuked the offenders, that they 
Were satisfied 'twas their ardour, 
Not obstinacy made them disobey. 



The hill that led to the colonists' fort 

Was a mighty obstacle to the British. 

Still they kept coming. 

The straightness of their column was soon ruffled. 

This gave them more concern, than the danger 

That was before them. 



On they come, as free from opposition, 

As on some showy exhibition drill. 

No banging of muskets or whistling bullets 

Hindered them. No cannon balls sped through their ranks. 

Killing and wounding them right and left. 

Not one of them was harmed. The colonists. 

Withheld their fire so long, the regulars 

Had some hope, they would find the fort deserted. 

But when they arrived at the chosen distance, 

And the colonists were ordered to fire. 

A steady discharge of musketry, 

Tore in among them and dropped them by the score. 

Unmercifully were they killed and maimed 

At this short range. Such a systematic 

And strong defence. Such terrible results 

To their solid ranks, was so different 

From what they had expected, it checked them 

In an instant. Now their officers, 

Stepped to the front and brandishing their swords 

They urged them on. Come! Come comrades! I hope 



125 



You are not phased by these few amateurs. 
Forward! Don't let this mob of countrymen 
Gloat over your defeat. What would they say 
At home, if they heard, this mighty army 
Of veterans fled from simple rustics? 
Come, come, let's make another effort men, 
And we'll scatter them like chaff. 
Thus they urged on their men, but 'twas in vain. 
The men were willing and confident, 
But knew it was a foolish risk, to face 
Such a murderous fire. Many a captain, 
Paid with his life or some ragged wound 
For his reckles confidence. 



So effective was the colonists' fire, 

They had the regulars completly rattled, 

And looking among themselves, they could not find 

A hopeful face to appeal to. 

In that whole line, every one seemed baffled. 

The colonists continued firing, 

Kept picking them off by the score. It seemed 

That every shot did damage of some sort 

From the slight flesh wound to the one that pierced 

Th? vital organs, and barely stayed 

Its mortal effect until the victim 

Conveyed to some comrade a message 

To loved ones at home. 



To be punished as those regulars were 
While they could do no damage in return. 
'Twere wisdom to turn back. 'Twas pride alone 
Made them hesitate this long, which cost them 
Many comrades. A few. with pluck enough. 
To oppose this foolish risk, turned back. 
More and more follow until they all 
Sought safety, beyond the colonists' range. 



126 

Now did their captains vent their rage as follows: 

For shame, men, for shame. Where is your reputation 



now 



Where is your boasted courage? What will those friends 

In England say, who praised you as invincible? 

Could you hold up your heads in London streets 

While marching on some fete day? Or expect 

A place of honor? Men, men, think what you've done. 

Look back there. Don't the sight of your dead comrades 

Strew about affect you? That sight alone, 

Should rouse a reckless courage within you. 

Men, I know it does, so wel'll get in order 

And try again. 

Things were different with the colonists. 

When the regulars, turned and ran from their defence, 

It broke the spell of doubt, and anxiety. 

And as they awakened to their victory 

Over the famous British, they let loose 

Their wildest antics. They hugged each other, 

And waltzed a turn or two. They hurrahed and waved 

And jumped about, while many in their joy 

And new born confidence were eager for pursuit, 

And would have marred their victory but for 

Their leaders, who, both praised and checked them 

As follows: Boys, you acted nobly. 

So far, well done. But now, restrain yourselves. 

This victory is but temporary. 

It cannot be these hauty regulars 

Will quit so easily. Their pride will force them 

To a larger sacrifice, so let us 

Prepare for them and when they do come, 

Make every shot sure, as our powder 

Is getting low. 

Just beyond the range of the colonists' guns 

The scattered British, once more formed to charge them. 

As their officers both encouraged and 

Upbraided them, their downcast look, told of 



127 



Their humbled pride. Seriously, was 

The importance of victory, 

Urged upon them. Their cr^mtry's prestige, 

Its army's honor, and their own safety 

Were the arguments used, to bring forth 

Their greatest effort. 

Once more they were sent to face that firing 

That had robbed them of hundreds of their comrades. 

They dare not quit with the colonists 

Their masters, nor would they give them to boast 

That it had taxed thier wits to defeat them. 

'Twas their desire to humble them. 

To scatter them like a fickle mob. 

Once more they approached those fatal earthworks. 

Steadily enough, and yet, their late experience 

Had them worried. Why wouldn't it? To be 

Such open targets to these skillful marksmen, 

Simply to satisfy their vanity, 

To uphold their pride. 

The regulars tried the same bold attack, 

While the colonists used the same defence, 

Of letting them come close. Their first victory 

Gave them confidence, so they waited and waited. 

Even closer than the first time, was this 

Formidable army, before a shot was fired. 

Then the whole length of the colonists line 

Their musketry blazed forth and the continued firing 

Picked the regulars off by the hundreds. 

Bravely aid they face this hail of bullets, 

But 'twas too much for human beings. 

All around them their comrades toppling over. 

The moaning of the wounded, as in their agony, 

They wiggled into positions, that would 

Ease ili3i.r pain. The groaning and gasping 

Of the dying, while their stretching and straining 

The last few breaths, told of their violent ending. 

The damage they sustained was something awful. 



128 

The suffering of their comrades was heart rending. 

These regulars were but human beings. 

Frail, like other people when their trials 

Had pased endurance. This they now had, 

So, once more they turned and fled for safety. 

Although the colonists, twice had checked, 
The regulars' attempt to storm their fort, 
And twice, had driven them pell-mell to safety. 
Still they lose, their ammunitions almost gone. 
With no sign of a further supply. 
There's barely two charges for every man 
Among them, and the regulars preparing 
For a third assault. Never was powder 
Considered more precious, or as cautiously 
Doled out that not a grain should be wasted. 
With each portion there went an earnest address 
About what it may do, towards giving them 
A victory. 

Once more the regulars start up that hill, 

Now thoroughly roused by this double smirch 

To their reputation. Roiled by the scornful 

Admision of their officers. That they 

Were ashamed to be their leaders. 

They were determined to hazard anything 

To win the day. Once more they arrive 

At that fatal distance, now recognized 

By their line of dead. Once more the colonists' 

Unering fire, rips through their ranks. More deadly 

Than before, as they made more sure of their few 

Remaining shots. Once more the regulars halt, 

And waver, and would have fled again, but, 

That deadly fire had ceased for want of powder. 

Now many of these green recruits threw stones, 

Which plainly told their plight. The trained veterans 

That the regulars were, quick did they spy 

This weakness, and with shouts of triumph, 

They rushed forward to charge the colonists' fort. 



129 



The regulars outnumbering the colonists 
Two or more to one soon scaled their earthworks. 
And in a hand to hand conflict soon drove 
Them from the fort. 



Thus ended the first real battle 

Of the American revolution, 

In which the colonists as an army 

Were in the humblest state, 

Both for organization and equipment. 



tfc'fc 



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